Topic 2: Fielding

Once your players are comfortable with the fundamentals of throwing and catching a baseball, it's time to introduce basic fielding technique for infield and outfield play.

At the 9- to 12-year-old level, we want infielders to begin anticipating ground balls, fielding balls on their glove-side and backhand side, and using a crow hop to transition into their throwing motion. Outfielders should be comfortable catching fly balls above their heads and able to use a crow hop when throwing the ball back into the infield.

At this age, all players should have an opportunity to play all of the positions on the field, regardless of whether it's a "cool" position like shortstop, or "boring" positions like right field. Regardless of what any player or parent says, it's still too early for kids to be specializing in a particular position to the extent that they don't want to play anywhere else.

As such, all players should be able to field balls that are hit on the ground or into the air. Take advantage of this topic's drills and tips to help your players to improve their fielding skills and to gain confidence playing at different positions on the field.

Enjoy!