The Infield Playbook:: Essential Techniques for Youth Baseball Infielders (The Baseball Lab)

Infield Playbook: Essential Techniques for Youth Baseball InfieldersMaster the infield. Teach with confidence. Develop players who make the plays that win games.The Challenge Every Infield Coach FacesYou're coaching youth infielders who boot routine grounders, throw wildly to first base, and freeze when the ball is hit to them. You know they can be better—but how do you teach proper footwork, glove work, and throwing mechanics in a way that actually sticks?Most coaching resources are too vague, too advanced, or assume you already know what you're doing. Infield Playbook changes that.What You'll LearnThis comprehensive guide covers everything you need to teach youth infielders (ages 6-14) at first base, second base, shortstop, and third base:✅ Proper Ready Position & Footwork – How to get in an athletic stance and move efficiently to the ball✅ Glove Work Fundamentals – Hand positioning, fielding technique, and soft hands that secure every ground ball✅ Throwing Mechanics – Accurate, strong throws from every position and angle✅ Position-Specific Skills – What makes a great first baseman different from a shortstop, and how to coach each role✅ Double Plays & Relays – Footwork, timing, and communication for turning two✅ Game Situations – Bunt coverage, cutoffs, rundowns, and defensive positioning✅ Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them – Identify errors instantly and correct them on the spot\Why This Book Works📘 Age-Appropriate Instruction – Designed specifically for youth players with realistic expectations📘 Step-by-Step Progressions – Break down complex skills into simple, coachable steps📘 Teach, Don't Just Tell – Learn how to communicate and demonstrate skills effectively📘 Real-World Coaching – Practical advice from nearly 40 years of coaching experienceWho This Book Is For✔️ Parent Coaches – You volunteered to help; now get the tools to lead with confidence✔️ Rec & Travel Coaches – Elevate your program with structured, proven instruction✔️ Players & Families – Supplement team practice with position-specific skill developmentWhat You'll GainBy the end of this book, you'll be able to:Teach proper fielding mechanics that become automaticDevelop confident players who trust their gloves and make accurate throwsCorrect mistakes immediately with clear, effective coaching cuesBuild a fundamentally sound infield that makes routine plays consistentlyThe Infield Playbook PhilosophyGreat infield play isn't about athleticism alone—it's about proper technique, repetition, and confidence. This book teaches you how to develop all three in your players throughFundamentals First – Master the basics before advancingRepetition Builds Confidence – Structured drills that create muscle memoryPositive Coaching – Encourage effort, correct mistakes, celebrate progressAbout the AuthorWritten by a coach with nearly 40 years of experience across multiple sports and levels, including high school and college baseball. Backed by Level 3 USA Baseball and NFHS certification. NCAA certified coach This book distills decades of hands-on teaching into a practical, affordable resource.Stop Guessing. Start Coaching.For less than the cost of a bucket of baseballs, you'll gain the knowledge to transform your infield from shaky to solid—and give your players the skills and confidence that last a lifetime.Your infielders deserve a coach who knows how to teach. This book makes you that coach.Part of The Baseball Lab Youth Coaching Series, powered by College of Sports Coaching. Read more