Geneva High SchoolInfield 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

Year Errors Wins ERA Walks

2009 90 20 3.40 144

2011 76 21 4.40 136

2007 59 24 1.84 91

2012 70 26 2.12 98

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• 3rd baseman must be athletic to field bunts and

react to “hot corner”• When to use 3rd baseman as cutoff man• Positioning based on situations• Hate seeing 3rd 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 1st Base• Picking balls at 1st Base• Attacking the baseball for all infielders

Contact Info

• Matt Hahn• mhahn@geneva304.org• (630) 463-3943

• Open invitation to any game or outdoor practice