INFIELD PLAY

FIRST BASE

1. Always expect a bad throw and prepare yourself for it.

2. Get to the base immediately when the ball is hit and straddle it on the fair territory side until you know where the throw is going to be.

3. Left-hander will place the left foot on the base, and the right-hander will place the right foot on the base.  Wait for the throw to be made to decide which corner or center.

4. Do not stretch until you know where the throw is.

5. On a dropped third strike, place the right foot on the base and stretch into foul territory with the left foot to take the throw from the catcher.

6. When stretching for the throw, land on your heel.  If you land on your toes or the ball of the foot you will have a tendency to pull off the base too early.  Always keep your head behind the ball so you can see it and make the play.

7. When the ball is thrown down the line towards home plate, always make the catch first then attempt the tag.  If you worry about the tag before the catch you probably will not make the catch.  Let the runner then tag themselves out and let your arm continue to follow through towards first-base to prevent arm and shoulder injuries.  Do not jab at the runner.

8. When the ball is thrown high , jump straight up into the air to make the catch.  Do not   let your body drift backwards into the baseline which will cause a collision with the runner and result in an injury usually to the first-baseman.

9. The pre-pitch position of the first-baseman will depend on the game situation, the count, the hitter, the score, etc.  The coach will make adjustments.  In all cases the first-baseman must be able to get to the base ahead of the runner.

10.  First base is a one-handed position.  You must be able to play the position one-handed to play it well.

11.  The short-hop is the toughest play to make.  You must bend at the knees and not the waist.  The upper body and head must be kept upright and behind the stretch leg.  If the ball is not caught, it must be at least blocked or knocked down.  When back-handing a short-hop again keep the bend at the knees and not the waist, and keep the upper body and head upright so you can see the ball all the way and at the very least knock it down.

12.  If you must come off the base to catch the ball, do so.  Do not try to over stretch and let the ball go through to the fence.

13.  Do not field bunts straight on.  Right-handers will be turned facing the foul line, and left-handers will be turned facing the pitcher.  The foot work for making the throw should always occur prior to fielding the ball in bunt situations.  Always field bunts with two hands and always use two hands to make the tag so the ball will not be knocked out.

14.  Know where the fence is on foul balls.  On balls close to the fence, find the fence first, then make the catch.

15.  Make all plays to your right that you can get to.  Do not expect the second-baseman to get to there.

16.  When acting as the cut-off person, get to the proper position as quickly as possible and the listen to the person at the base where the ball is going to line you up and tell you whether to cut or not.  If the ball is going through,  fake the cut catch and throw to keep the runner at first base.  Make sure you are turned prior to making the cut or faking it so the throw can be made more quickly.

17.  Always return to first-base after every pitch not hit as quickly as possible when there is a runner at first-base.  A pick-off cannot be made unless you are in position.  When a pick-off is called with a pitchout and the second-baseman taking the throw, get down and out of the way.

18.  When fielding a bunt with a runner on first base it is your judgement and the help from your teammates whether to throw to first or second.  The game situation, the speed of the runner at first, how quickly the ball got to you, and coaching instructions will all play a factor in the decision you make.

19.  When fielding a bunt with a runner on third base, hold the runner at third prior to making the tag on the runner or throwing to first-base unless the game situation or coaches instructions dictate to forget the runner and get the out.

20.  On all fly balls in the infield.  Communicate!  Communicate!  Communicate!

21.  Always look for the next play and the next out after all plays made at first-base.  You must know the game situation at all times and know where the next play is prior to the ball being pitched.

 SECOND BASE

1. This is the shortest throw in the game.  Take your time, make certain of the catch or knockdown.  Do not rush, you will have time.

2. Make the play on all balls to your left that you can get to.  Do not expect the first-baseman to make the play.  Most importantly, communicate with the first-baseman.

3. With runners on base, know the game situation, where the speed is, who is covering what base, where you are going with a clean catch, where you are going with a bobble, where you are going with a hard hit ball, where you are going with a slow roller.

4. You must  be at first base to take the throw on a bunt and then be ready to make the follow on play if one presents itself.

5. The pop fly behind first base will often be your responsibility.  Communicate with the first-baseman.

6. Short fly balls in the right centerfield area are your responsibility until and unless the outfielder calls you off.

7. There are several variations to the first and third plays.  The coaches will instruct on how they want it handled.  If you are the cut person you can see the runner at third base and will know whether to deal with that person or the runner coming from first.  If you are the throw through person you cannot see the runner at third base and must listen for instruction from your teammates.

8. You will often be the cut-off on balls hit to centerfield.  On a short outfield hit, take a position in line with the catcher between the pitchers circle and second base.  On deep balls take a position at the edge of the grass in line with the catcher.  Always have both arms up and turn sideways to take the throw.  Do not have your back to the infield.  If the throw goes through, fake the cut to attempt to hold the runner at first.

9. Every ground ball with a runner on first is not an automatic double-play.  The game situation, the runner’s speed, and the speed of the hit ball will all be factors.  In every case get the lead runner if possible.

10.  When starting a double-play, the distance to the base, the speed of the hit, the speed of the runner, and the direction you are traveling will determine what kind of throw or pivot you will make.  The throw should always hit the shortstop in the middle of the chest.  With a ball hit right at you a no-step pivot on the balls of both feet with the hips and shoulders turning 90 degrees is usually best.  With a ball hit to your right, an underhand throw with a stiff wrist will usually be best.  With a ball hit to your left, the throw may be a pivot 90 degrees right or it may be 270 degrees left if your momentum is taking you that way.

11.  When executing a double-play get to the bag as quickly as possible shuffling your steps at the end to be certain your footwork is right prior to taking the throw.  Ideally you want to tag the base with your left foot and push off to the right foot so that your leg and hip can assist you in the throw to first.  Be certain that you push off far enough to be out of the way of the runner trying to take you out.  If the throw is bad to the inside of the base, it may be necessary to tag the base with the right foot, throw and then get out of the way of the runner.

12.  Always remember that you cannot over emphasis the importance of communication with the shortstop and the first-baseman.  You must all know what each other is going to do at all times and work together.

THIRD BASE

1. Third base may be the most difficult position to play in the infield.  The third   baseman must be able to:
  a. React quickly on hard hit balls down the line.
  b. Charge quickly on slow rollers and bunts.
  c. Make strong and quick throws all away across the field.
  d. Return to the base quickly to cover on pick-offs aattempts from second  base.    
 
 2. The third baseman will play approximately half way between third base and home plate.  The factors that will determine exactly where include the strength of the third baseman’s arm, her speed in charging bunts, and her ability to return to the base.  Third base is a reaction position and the person at that position must have some of the quickest reactions on the team.  Third baseman must take into consideration:
  a. The game situation.
  b. The speed of the batter.
  c. The power of the batter.
  d. Where the base runners are.
  e. The type of hitter the batter is i.e. bunter, slapper, drag bunter.
  f. Right of left handed hitter and the pitch location and type of pitch.

3. On balls hit right at the third baseman the third baseman must knock the ball down and make the throw across the field for the out.  With a runner at first a decision must be made whether to go for the lead runner or to take the out at first base.  With a runner at second base or third base the runner must be held at their base prior to making the throw to first. 

4. On balls hit to the third baseman’s left, the third baseman must stay low as they move to the ball and properly set their feet after making the catch and preparing to make the throw.  The third baseman should field everything to their left that they can get to.  In most cases, on balls hit to the third baseman’s left with a runner on first, a double-play will be in order or at the very least an attempt made on the lead runner.

5. On balls hit to the third baseman’s right, the ball must be knocked down or fielded with a backhand play.  When fielding with a backhand play, the third baseman must be certain to set their feet properly prior to making the throw to first.  With runners on first and second base, this type of hit will allow for a relatively easy play unassisted on the lead runner at third base.  With the bases loaded, this play should allow for the force out at home plate if less than two outs.

6. On infield pop flys to the left side of the infield, communication must be made with the pitcher and the shortstop.  Normally the third baseman will call the pitcher and catcher off and take all pop flys they can get to in that area of the field.  On pop flys in foul territory near the fence, the third baseman will find the fence first, and then make the catch.

7. On short fly balls in left field third baseman should make an effort to make the play until unless the left fielder or the shortstop calls them off.  On balls hit deep to left or down the left field line the third baseman will act as the cutoff unless there is a runner on second base tagging up and attempting to move up.  In this case the shortstop will be the cutoff with the third baseman covering the base and taking the throw.

SHORTSTOP  
    
1. The shortstop will probably be the best athlete on the field, and will play a role in all double plays, double steals, regular steals, and most cutoffs.

2. The shortstop must always know what each infielder or outfielder will do with the ball prior to the pitch being made and must be in position to complete most plays.

3. With a runner on first, the shortstop will cover 2nd base always, unless a special situation exists at the coach’s direction.

4. On balls hit to the right, the shortstop must execute the proper footwork to insure the throw is made with a planted right leg.

5. When starting a double-play, the shortstop must learn to execute a drop knee pivot, a standing pivot, a running side arm throw, or an underhanded shovel depending on the speed and location of the hit and the distance you are from second base.

6. The shortstop will run the infield most of the time and must be in constant communication with the third baseman, the second baseman, and the pitcher.

7. In double –play situations, the shortstop must make certain of obtaining at least one out.  The speed of the hit ball and the speed of the runners are factors.  In all cases get at least the lead runner.

8. Depending on the coaches instructions and specific plays involved, the shortstop will have to cover third base with runners on first and second, or runners on first and third, and the hitter shows bunt.

9. When taking the throw at second base as a part of a double-play, step across the base with your left foot and drag the right foot across the back corner of the base, jump turn to land on the right leg and complete the throw to first base.

10.  On slow rolling ground balls with no runners, the shortstop must learn to throw on the run probably side arming the ball without losing their balance to make accurate throws to first.

11.  On short fly balls to left field, left centerfield and center field the shortstop will attempt to make the play unless and until the outfielder calls them off.

12.  On base hits from the centerfield to the left field line, the shortstop will be the cutoff.  Get into position as quickly as possible as listen for instructions as to whether to cut or not.  If not cutting the ball, carry out a good fake to hold the hitter as first if possible.  Make sure you get turned to receive the ball in a throwing position.  Do not have your back to the infield.

13.  Always know the game situation, where the runners are, the runners speed prior to the pitch so that the proper throw is made to the proper base.

DOUBLE-PLAY COMBINATION:  FEEDS AND PIVOTS

 SHORTSTOP FEEDS

Ball hit low to the ground:
1. After fielding the ball, drop to the right knee while pivoting on the ball of the right foot.
2. Get the ball out quickly, and make a short firm throw with the elbow up. 

Ball hit with a high bounce:          
1. Stay up, pivot on both feet, get the ball out quickly, make a short firm throw with the elbow up.
  
Backhand play:
1. After fielding the ball, plant the right foot firmly, pivot on the ball of the right foot.
2. Get the ball out quickly, get the elbow up, and make a good accurate throw for the lead runner.  Don’t rush the throw.

Slow rollers:
1. Charge fast and field the ball off the left foot.
2. Raise the upper body and turn the left shoulder and glove towards second base to get them out of the way of the throw. 
3. A side arm running throw may very well be necessary in this situation.  The key is stay balanced to make an accurate throw.

 Ball hit towards or behind second base:
1. When going towards second, let your momentum help you with the throw.  Make a firm underhand throw with a stiff wrist and the palm up
2. When going behind second, the backhand flip will probably be necessary.  This is the most inaccurate type of throw so don’t use it unless absolutely necessary.  Turn the wrist out with the palm up and be as accurate as possible. 

SHORTSTOP PIVOTS:
Drag pivot:
1. Get to the bag as quickly as possible shuffling your steps as you approach to arrive at exactly the same time as the ball.
2. Catch the ball with two hands, (thumb-to-thumb method).
3. Step across the base with your left foot, and drag the right foot across the back corner of the base.
4. Execute a jump turn to get out of the runners way and land on the right foot with the left shoulder pointing towards first base to complete the throw to first.  

UNASSISTED DOUBLE PLAY:
1. Let your momentum carry you towards second base and let the second baseman know that you are taking it yourself.
2. Step across the base with your left foot, drag the right foot across the back corner of the base, make a jump turn to get out of the way of the runner and get the lift shoulder turned towards first base to complete the throw and the play.

SECOND BASE FEEDS:
Ball hit low:
1. After fielding the ball, drop the left knee to the ground,  while pivoting on the ball of the left foot.
2. Get the ball out quickly and make a short firm throw with the elbow up.

Ball hit with a high bounce:
1. Stay up and make the pivot towards second on both feet.
2. Get the ball out quickly and make a short firm throw with the elbow up.

Ground ball hit left:
1. On balls that you can get in front of, do so.
2. After fielding the ball execute a jump turn to get the body rotated with the left shoulder pointed towards second base and make a firm accurate throw.
3. On balls hit into the hole that you cannot get in front of the fielder must make a decision about where to throw based on the speed of the hit ball.
4.   On a hard hit ball execute a 270 degree reverse pivot and make an accurate throw to second base to get the lead runner.
5.   On a slow hit ball the fielder will have to make a decision on whether to execute a 270-degree turn to get the lead runner or make the throw to first base to insure that at least one out is made.

Ground ball towards second:
1. Let the momentum of fielding the ball carry you towards second base.
2. After fielding the ball turn your body towards second base and make an accurate underhand throw with a stiff wrist and the palm up.  Make certain you step towards second base with your left foot.

SECOND BASE PIVOTS:

Throws from shortstop and third base:
1. Move towards the base as quickly as possible arriving at the base at the same time as the ball.
2. Place the left foot on the base to receive the throw with two hands (thumb-to-thumb method).
3. After receiving the throw, push away from the base with the left foot either towards right field or centerfield with a short hop landing with the weight on the right leg.
4. Step towards first base and complete the play with an accurate throw to first.

UNASSISTED DOUBLE PLAY:

1. Make certain the shortstop knows you are taking the play by yourself.
2. Place the left foot on the side of the base and push away with a short hop to land with your weight on the right leg.  Step towards first base and complete the play with an accurate throw.  Be certain to stay out of the way of the runner.