Infield ready position and fielding

Setup

1. Fielders spread out at shortstop, second and third base, with a first baseman on the bag. Extra players form a short line behind each position.
2. The coach stands about 15 m in front of home plate with a bucket of balls and a feeder to hand them over.
3. Start with rolled balls. Move to fungo hits only when the group fields rolled balls cleanly.
4. Corner infielders wear face masks if you have them, and everyone stays out of the throwing line to first.

How it runs

1. As the coach starts the roll, every fielder takes two small creep steps forward and lands in the ready position.
2. The coach rolls the ball to one fielder. That fielder attacks the ball, fields it out front and throws to first base.
3. The first baseman catches, then throws the ball back to the feeder by the coach.
4. The fielder jogs to the back of their line and the next player steps up. Work round the infield in order, then mix it up.
5. Run three rounds of five balls each, then rotate positions so everyone plays first base.

Coaching points

• Ready position: feet wider than the shoulders, weight on the balls of the feet, knees bent, glove open and low.
• Creep in on the pitch so you are moving when the ball is hit, not standing flat-footed.
• Attack the ball. Take the route that gets you in front of it, and let it come to the glove out front.
• Field with the glove under the eyes and the bare hand on top, then funnel the ball to the belly.
• Right foot steps to the target, shoulders turn, then throw. Footwork first, arm second.

Common mistakes

• Waiting back on the ball and letting it play the fielder.
• Bending at the waist with straight legs, so the glove comes up off the ground.
• Fielding the ball beside the feet instead of out in front.
• Rushing the throw before the feet are set, so it sails or bounces short.