Geneva High School Infield Defense

General Rules GET AN OUT!! Each position is different – coach them that way Limit to 3 outs an inning Make regular plays not ESPN plays Always know situation Nose in glove 3 second rule Don’t become drill machines who can’t play in games Anticipate situation before ball comes to you 9 guys always moving on every play Cal Ripken Rule

GHS Statistical comparison per year YearErrorsWinsERAWalks

First Base Ground ball to first base is an automatic out Glove/Glove leg move together Feed pitcher Proper cut mechanics Holding Runners Starting Rundown after pick or starting DP Cutoffs – when do I use the first baseman? Positioning based on situations

Second Base Needs to be a smart player not just a place to stick a kid Ball to right – when do I back hand, when to I get in front? More time to make throw, but still use 3 second rule Receiving throws from catcher on steal Positioning based on situations

Shortstop Ball to right – when to backhand, when to get in front Ball up the middle – when to spin, when to plant and fire 2 step or “v” to the ball on routine groundballs SS on cuts – what is my job?? Receiving throws from catcher on steal Positioning based on situations

Third Base Sit on the ball Fielding Bunts Ball in front of shortstop 3 rd baseman must be athletic to field bunts and react to “hot corner” When to use 3 rd baseman as cutoff man Positioning based on situations Hate seeing 3 rd baseman holding runner – not baseball

General INF Pop-up Communication – never lose an out Pop-up priority Double Plays Rundowns Holding runners Do I teach the backhand??? One key to good defense is to build arm strength among all players

Pop-up Priority – a must know

Common Mistakes Take too long to get rid of the ball Fielding ball off to the side Not attacking the ball – staying on their heals First baseman – swatting not scooping

How to Fix Break up into skill sets – i.e. ground balls separate the fielding part and the throwing part Wall Ball Must field ball with momentum towards base you are throwing to Practice situations – SPECIFIC! Coach dictates outs, runners, where the ball goes. Practice goofy plays too.

Drills to Fix…… Throwing to 1 st Base Throwing to 1 st Base Picking balls at 1 st Base Picking balls at 1 st Base Attacking the baseball for all infielders

Contact Info Matt Hahn (630) Open invitation to any game or outdoor practice