1. Geneva High School Infield Defense

2. General Rules GET AN OUT!! Each position is different – coach them that way Limit to 3 outs an inning Make regular plays not ESPN plays Always know situation Nose in glove 3 second rule Don’t become drill machines who can’t play in games Anticipate situation before ball comes to you 9 guys always moving on every play Cal Ripken Rule

3. GHS Statistical comparison per year YearErrorsWinsERAWalks 200990203.40144 201176214.40136 200759241.8491 201270262.1298

4. First Base Ground ball to first base is an automatic out Glove/Glove leg move together Feed pitcher Proper cut mechanics Holding Runners Starting Rundown after pick or starting DP Cutoffs – when do I use the first baseman? Positioning based on situations

5. Second Base Needs to be a smart player not just a place to stick a kid Ball to right – when do I back hand, when to I get in front? More time to make throw, but still use 3 second rule Receiving throws from catcher on steal Positioning based on situations

6. Shortstop Ball to right – when to backhand, when to get in front Ball up the middle – when to spin, when to plant and fire 2 step or “v” to the ball on routine groundballs SS on cuts – what is my job?? Receiving throws from catcher on steal Positioning based on situations

7. Third Base Sit on the ball Fielding Bunts Ball in front of shortstop 3 rd baseman must be athletic to field bunts and react to “hot corner” When to use 3 rd baseman as cutoff man Positioning based on situations Hate seeing 3 rd baseman holding runner – not baseball

8. General INF Pop-up Communication – never lose an out Pop-up priority Double Plays Rundowns Holding runners Do I teach the backhand??? One key to good defense is to build arm strength among all players

9. Pop-up Priority – a must know

10. Common Mistakes Take too long to get rid of the ball Fielding ball off to the side Not attacking the ball – staying on their heals First baseman – swatting not scooping

11. How to Fix Break up into skill sets – i.e. ground balls separate the fielding part and the throwing part Wall Ball Must field ball with momentum towards base you are throwing to Practice situations – SPECIFIC! Coach dictates outs, runners, where the ball goes. Practice goofy plays too.

12. Drills to Fix…… Throwing to 1 st Base Throwing to 1 st Base Picking balls at 1 st Base Picking balls at 1 st Base Attacking the baseball for all infielders

13. Contact Info Matt Hahn mhahn@geneva304.org (630) 463-3943 Open invitation to any game or outdoor practice