This is my first year as an exclusive infield coach. I coached outfielders last season. I think we have did a nice job working on footwork around the bag, with the funnel, chink tuck and the pivot, and things such as that, but what about the ball that is almost a do or die? Would you teach something specific, or is it almost a "feel" type of thing? Thank you.

For the balls right at you that are close to or are "do or die", I teach taking a little banana route to the ball (to get to right and judge the hops a little better), field it out front on the move with one hand (glove hand), and set to throw based on the speed of the runner. You might have time to set and throw and you might only have time to field and throw.

A good example of this play is watching video of Troy Tulowitzki. He does this play quite often.

If it is a true do or die ball, you do not have time to round the ball off. Charge straight in, field the ball inside your left foot and throw from down under. Work on getting rid of it quickly rather than trying to throw 90 mph to 1B.

BTW, you should practice throwing from different arm angles when getting loose.

quote:

Originally posted by redbird5:
If it is a true do or die ball, you do not have time to round the ball off. Charge straight in, field the ball inside your left foot and throw from down under. Work on getting rid of it quickly rather than trying to throw 90 mph to 1B.

I agree if it is a true do or die. I also agree on the throw. We tell our kids to make the 1st baseman earn his money. Just get the ball around the bag (in the air or bounce), it doesn't have to be perfect. The 1st baseman shouldn't require a perfect throw every time. They should be able to scoop.

quote:

Originally posted by redbird5:
BTW, you should practice throwing from different arm angles when getting loose.

I also agree with this. Our infielders do what we call a clock drill. Kind of hard to describe, but the drill let's them throw at many different arm angles.

If you don't practice it with them, how can you expect them to do it in a game.

PRACTICE--PRACTICE---PRACTICE

Here's an example of the clock drill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxPo9BA2NnY

nice find Iheart