Blog

As a baseball parent, few things are as frustrating as watching your child struggle on the field, especially with those basic defensive plays. You see the ground ball coming, and a part of you just knows it might not be a clean play. The quick hop gets past them, the throw is off-target, or they just look unsure of what to do.

Youth coaches are juggling a lot, and often, individual defensive fundamentals just don't get the dedicated practice time they need. But as a Coach and a dad to four baseball-playing boys – I know firsthand how critical those core skills are. And I'm here to tell you, the solution isn't always more expensive lessons or fancy equipment. It's consistent, focused practice on the right drills.

The Real Problem: Overlooked Fundamentals

Infield defense is often viewed as instinctual, but it's built on a bedrock of learned movements. When these fundamentals are weak, errors pile up, confidence dips, and the game becomes less fun.

• "Soft hands": Can they absorb the ball, or do they fight it?

• Efficient footwork: Are they moving through the ball and towards their target?

• Quick transfers: Can they get the ball out of their glove and into their throwing hand smoothly?

Imagine This: A Confident Infielder

Picture your child confidently charging a slow roller, smoothly fielding a tricky short hop, and making a strong, accurate throw to first. Imagine them looking poised and ready for every play, enjoying every moment on the diamond because they feel prepared.

That's the confidence that comes from mastering the fundamentals. And the good news? You can help them build these skills right at home.

Introducing "Infield Mastery": Your Backyard Blueprint to Infield Success

I've taken the exact drills I use with my own sons, teach in lessons, and refine daily, and compiled them into one easy-to-follow guide: "Defend the Diamond: 10 Essential Drills for Infielders."

This isn't just a list of drills. It's your blueprint for building a rock-solid infielder, designed specifically for youth players and for parents to use with just one partner.

Inside this PDF, you'll discover:

• 10 fundamental drills covering everything from glove work and footwork to quick transfers and communication.

• Step-by-step instructions so you know exactly how to execute each drill safely and effectively.

• "Coach's Corner" tips for common mistakes and how to fix them.

• Progressions to challenge your player as they improve.

My goal with "Defend the Diamond" is simple: to make high-quality, foundational defensive training accessible to every baseball family. For just $9.99, you get a lifetime resource that will directly impact your player's game and confidence.

Click here to purchase. 

Don't let those fundamental errors hold your young infielder back any longer. Give them the tools to shine on the diamond.