10U Infield Drills: Building a Solid Defense

Before you run a single drill, your infielders need to know where to stand. I see too many 10U coaches just tell kids to 'spread out' without giving them landmarks.

For first base, I teach the ready position about 8-10 feet behind the bag and 4-5 feet toward foul territory. At second base, position them about 6 feet toward first base from directly behind second. The shortstop mirrors this toward third base, and third base plays about 8 feet behind the bag.

These aren't MLB distances - they're based on 10U arm strength and reaction time. When I first started coaching this age group, I had kids positioned like high schoolers. Half the balls got through because they couldn't cover the ground.

Most 10U players stand up straight and get caught flat-footed. The ready position I teach is simple: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, glove down and out front.

But here's the key - I have them bounce slightly on their toes as the pitcher releases. This tiny movement keeps them from getting stuck in concrete. I learned this from watching college infielders warm up.

The Ready Drill: Line up your infielders without gloves. Have them get in position, then yell 'ready' - they should bounce once and freeze in athletic position. If they look like they're sitting in a chair, they're too bent. If they're standing straight, they won't move quickly enough.

Each infield position has different footwork requirements, and 10U is when players can start learning position-specific skills.

First Base: Focus on the crossover step to get to the bag quickly. I teach them to catch the ball first, then worry about the bag. Too many young first basemen stretch for throws they can't handle.

Second Base and Shortstop: The key is getting their feet set for the throw. I use the 'step and throw' method - catch, step toward your target with your left foot, throw. No extra steps.

Third Base: They need to learn the charge technique for slow rollers. Start with shuffle steps, not running, because running makes fielding much harder.

At 10U, double plays are possible but require lots of practice. I start with stationary feeds before adding any movement.

The Feed Drill: Put a second baseman on the bag and a shortstop about 15 feet away. Roll ground balls to the shortstop, who fields and makes a chest-high feed to second base. The second baseman should catch with two hands and step on the bag.

Once they master this, add the pivot. I teach second basemen to catch, touch the bag with their right foot, and step toward first base with their left foot while throwing. For shortstops receiving at second, it's catch, step on the bag with the left foot, then step and throw.

The biggest mistake I see is coaches trying to make 10U players turn double plays like high schoolers. At this age, just getting one out consistently is a win.

Slow rollers kill 10U defenses because kids either charge too hard or don't charge at all. I teach a controlled approach.

The Charge Drill: Roll slow grounders to third base and first base. Players should shuffle-step to the ball, not sprint. Field the ball on their glove side, plant their right foot, and make a quick throw.

For second base and shortstop, slow rollers are different. They have more time, so I teach them to come through the ball and get their feet set. The key is staying under control.

I learned this lesson the hard way during a camp when I watched kids boot easy grounders because they were running full speed. Slow rollers require patience, not speed.

The backhand is tough for 10U players because their hands aren't fully developed yet. I focus on technique over flash.

The Backhand Progression: Start with players on their knees, rolling balls to their backhand side. They should reach across their body with the glove, keeping the thumb down. Once they're consistent from their knees, move to standing.

The key teaching point is to get the glove in front of the ball's path, not try to stab at it. I tell kids to 'build a wall' with their glove. After they field it, they should plant their back foot and make a strong throw.

Most 10U players can learn a basic backhand, but don't expect diving catches. Focus on balls they can reach while staying balanced.

At 10U, communication becomes crucial because players are spread out more and playing faster. But keep it simple.

I teach three basic calls: 'Mine' for the fielder, 'Two, two, two' for a force at second, and 'One, one, one' for first base. That's it. More calls just create confusion.

The catcher should be your quarterback, calling where to throw with runners on base. Before each pitch, they should remind infielders of the situation. I use BenchCoach to track which players are comfortable talking and which need encouragement.

The Communication Drill: Set up situational plays and have players call their assignments before the ball is hit. This builds the habit of thinking ahead.

10U players can start learning basic situational positioning, but don't overwhelm them. I focus on three situations: normal position, double play depth, and infield in.

Double play depth: Everyone moves about three steps closer to their bag to turn two. The trade-off is some singles might get through, but you're trying to prevent big innings.

Infield in: Move everyone about five steps closer to home plate. Use this with runners on third and less than two outs when preventing a run is crucial.

I make positioning cards that show where each player should be in different situations. Visual learners especially benefit from seeing their position marked on a diagram.

A good 10U infield practice should be fast-paced with lots of reps. I structure our infield time in 15-minute blocks because attention spans are still developing.

Block 1: Ready position and basic fielding (5 minutes). Hit grounders to each position, focusing on proper footwork and clean fielding.

Block 2: Position-specific work (5 minutes). Double play feeds, charging practice, or backhands depending on what needs work.

Block 3: Situational practice (5 minutes). Set up different scenarios and let players work through them.

The key is keeping everyone involved. While one player fields, others should be in ready position. No standing around watching.