Lopez Infield Training

Great way to get your kids to compete in practice. Forces them to focus by listening to the coaches commands, test reaction time and also have some fun doing it!

These are just some key points I teach or have to remind my infielders when going out for a cut/relay.

1. Most players jut rely on their teammate to line them up. Make it easier on your teammate and yourself by lining yourself up and once your set, your teammate can adjust you how he sees fit.

2. A lot of kids go out too far and end up making a longer throw for themselves. How far you go out depends on the OF’s arm. Learn them and make your adjustments.

3. Hands have to go up. Makes it easier for the OF to find the cut and creates a target for them. Their backs can be turned to the field or eyes focused on the catch and need a target to pick up.

4. Footwork is key!! We have to adjust to the throw and move around the baseball to put us in a position to make a good throw.

5. Short hops are very difficult to handle and make a throw. It can be done, but make your life easier by working hard with your feet and catch the ball in the air or on a long hop.

6. Turn glove side no matter what. It is the most efficient way to catch and make an accurate throw. Moving your feet to get around the ball will make it easier for us to catch on the glove side.

Some mental points to understand when turning a double play.

▫️Make sure of the first out! Yes, we want to turn 2, but an error on a double play ball can be a big momentum swing. It can go from getting out of an inning, into a crooked number being put up on the board (opens the door for the offense). The SS or 2nd basemen need to know when to turn into a 1st basemen and just get the out at 2nd and not worrying about turning the double play. Getting one out will minimize damage or momentum.

▫️For 2nd and SS the direction of the throw will determine what type of turn is done at 2nd base. If the throw is to the backside, inside part of the bag, high/low/chest, Both need to read the throw and understand the most efficient footwork to try and turn the double play.

▫️Communication!! To me, this is done the least amongst infielders. All of the infielders need to get together and talk about when they will use different throws,flips, tosses to 2nd, how the SS/2nd base want to position themselves and receives those throws.

In the video I mentioned, 2nd basemen coming across the bag to receive the throw when the SS or 3rd basemen backhand the ball in the hole or towards the line. This cuts the throw down and able to turn it quicker on an already difficult play. This also allows SS/3rd to know exactly where to throw when there back is turned to the play. (Just my preference when I played)

Another example for SS. Any ground ball fielded in front of 2nd or 1st base, the 1st basement and 2nd basemen need to understand the shortstop will set up on the inside part of the bag to receive the throw.

Might sound simple, everybody will be different, but makes a big difference when everybody is on the same page and knows what to expect.

How can you not have fun turning double plays 🙌

PVC pipe, ball, glove, rebounder/partner

Simple drill that can be done at home with little space. You can get a lot of reps in that translate over to the game.

▫️Left Foot Timing- Our left foot should be landing at the same time/close to when we catch the ground ball. This allows the infielder to stay in rhythm, move through the baseball and keep moving towards the direction of their throw.

Great drill for pregame or early work. Grab a partner and go through the throwing on the run variations with a clean transfer.

▫️Chopper- We deflect the ball into our throwing hand like we are turning a double play.

▫️One Hand- Field off the left foot with a low transfer. I like using one hand when the slow roller is hit right at me.

▫️Two Hand- Field on the inside of your left foot. This play is easier when you are charging to your glove side, but can be used when it’s hit as you as well.

▫️Backhand- Field on the outside/in front of your left foot. On the transfer think thumb down (at catch) thumb up (to transfer).

▫️Barehand- DO or DIE play!! Speedy runner and have no choice to barehand it. Really follow the ball into your hand. A lot of players pull their eyes up too quick.

EVERY throw is off your right leg and EVERY throw is aimed up the line at the 1st basemen’s shoulder so it can tail back to his chest!!