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Infield Triangle Read
Fielding · Full field · 15 min · ages 9-12, 13-15
Coach hits 3 grounders per round; fielder shows triangle approach + read.
- fungo bat
- 10 baseballs
- base
For kids
How to explain it: Three ground balls per round — one to your right, one straight, one to your left. Field it clean, then make an accurate throw to first.
What good looks like: Glove down early, work THROUGH the ball, and put the throw chest-high to first.
Why it matters: This is the most-repeated play in baseball. A clean ground ball plus a catchable throw equals an out — every single time.
Pitcher Fielding — Cover First Base
Fielding · Full field · 10 min · ages 9-12, 13-15
Tap-and-cover footwork to first base on a grounder to the right side.
- 6 baseballs
- 1B bag
For kids
How to explain it: Ball gets hit to the right side — your job is to beat the hitter to first base. Take a curved path so you don’t crash into the first baseman.
What good looks like: Catch the toss before you touch the bag, then run through the inside corner.
Why it matters: Every season a few games end because a pitcher didn’t cover first. Quiet play, big difference.
Outfield Drop-Step Ladder
Fielding · Full field · 8 min · ages 9-12, 13-15
Drop-step + cross-over to a tagged spot, 8 reps each direction.
- 4 cones
For kids
How to explain it: Coach points left or right. Your first move is to turn that hip back and sprint — no backpedal, no false step.
What good looks like: First foot moves in the right direction on at least 12 of 16 reps.
Why it matters: Routes in the outfield are decided in the first step. Wrong step = the ball drops; right step = you’re under it.
Outfield Line-Drive Reads
Fielding · Full field · 10 min · ages 9-12, 13-15
Coach fungoes line drives; OF calls 'in/out/over' at release.
- fungo bat
- 10 baseballs
For kids
How to explain it: Coach hits a line drive. The second the bat touches the ball, you yell 'in,' 'out,' or 'over' before you take a step.
What good looks like: Get the right call out loud on at least 7 of 10 balls.
Why it matters: Outfielders who guess wrong on the first read can’t recover. Train your eyes to read off the bat, not the flight.
Double-Play Turn — 4-6-3
Fielding · Full field · 12 min · ages 9-12, 13-15
2B feeds SS at the bag, SS pivots and throws to 1B. 8 reps.
- 8 baseballs
- infield bases
For kids
How to explain it: Take the grounder, one out at second, then fire to first. You and your partner work together — the feed has to be on the chest so the SS can catch and throw in one move.
What good looks like: Turn 5 of 8 cleanly. No bobbles, no off-balance throws.
Why it matters: A double play is the fastest way out of a rally. Practiced teams turn them; teams that don’t practice it boot the ball.
Cutoff & Relay — 3-Man Chain
Fielding · Full field · 10 min · ages 9-12, 13-15
OF → cutoff → tag base. 3 reps each side.
- fungo bat
- 6 baseballs
For kids
How to explain it: Ball in the gap. Outfielder throws to the cutoff’s chest. Cutoff spins glove-side and fires to the base. Three throws, one chain.
What good looks like: 4 of 6 chains hit the cutoff’s chest cleanly.
Why it matters: Big throws from the outfield are slower and less accurate than a perfect relay. Teams that relay well keep doubles from becoming triples.
Bases-Loaded Live Situation
Fielding · Full field · 15 min · ages 9-12, 13-15
Coach hits live; defense reacts to runners and outs. 6 scenarios.
- fungo bat
- 6 baseballs
- infield bases
For kids
How to explain it: Bases loaded. Coach yells the outs, then hits the ball. You all have to know — before the pitch — where you’re throwing if the ball comes to you.
What good looks like: Make the right play on 4 of 6 scenarios.
Why it matters: Most youth runs score on mental mistakes, not great hits. Knowing your job before the pitch is half the game.
Alligator Ground Balls
Fielding · Full field · 10 min · ages 6-8, 9-12
Two-hand ground-ball technique: glove down, top hand snaps shut like an alligator mouth.
- glove
- 5 baseballs
For kids
How to explain it: Your glove is the bottom of an alligator mouth — put it flat on the ground. Your other hand is the top. When the ball comes, CHOMP and pull it to your bellybutton.
What good looks like: Two hands every time, ball pulled to your belly. No one-handed stabs.
Why it matters: Two hands means the ball can’t pop out. This is how every great infielder learned to field clean.
Fly Ball Communication (Call It)
Fielding · Full field · 8 min · ages 6-8, 9-12
Two players track a ball between them and loudly call it until it's caught.
- glove
- 5 baseballs
For kids
How to explain it: A ball goes up between you and a teammate. Whoever takes it yells ‘Ball! Ball! Ball!’ until it’s in the glove. The other person gets out of the way.
What good looks like: Loud, early call every time — no bumping, no dropped easy fly balls.
Why it matters: Two players going for the same ball without talking is how outfielders crash and drop easy outs. Talking keeps everybody safe and the ball caught.