Drill library

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For kids

How to explain it: Partner rolls hard short-hops. Your job is to catch them soft — bring the ball to your belly button. Don’t stab.

What good looks like: Catch 16 of 20 clean. No double-clutches.

Why it matters: Soft hands are the difference between an out and an error. This is the fundamental that infielders never outgrow.

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.

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.