11U–12U
Fielding / Infield
All positions
Beginner
The Easiest & Best No-Equipment Infield Path Drill for All Ages
Simple three-ball setup teaching the direct path around the ball, palm pin, soft transfer, and momentum shuffle toward first for shortstops and infielders.
- Skill:
- approach path and transfer
- Equipment:
- Glove
- Duration:
- About 8 min
- Setting:
- Indoor or outdoor
- Players:
- Solo
Coaching notes
Coach places three baseballs with the middle one offset to force the correct approach path. Player fields with palm pin, transfers, and shuffles for direction and power without looping or extra steps. Demonstrated with pro examples like Francisco Lindor.
Objectives
Eliminate looping approaches; improve soft-hand transfers; build low posture and directional momentum for accurate throws.
Coaching cues
Stay low in the legs; hands low to the ground; pin the ball in the palm; no looping; create momentum by pushing and shuffling toward first; follow through on the throw.
Common errors
Looping around the ball adding steps and time; standing up early; hard throws instead of focused transfer work.
Safety
Use soft throws early; clear space for shuffle direction.
Setup
Three baseballs, glove, and a target or partner. Middle ball offset to force path. No special equipment.
Progressions
Start soft/no-throw; add full throws; increase speed; use barehand or pancake glove.
Variations
Move offset ball farther for advanced angles; add short-hop feeds.
Steps
- 1. Place three baseballs with middle ball offset to create path around the ball
- 2. Pin ball in palm of glove, stay low, transfer cleanly
- 3. Shuffle toward first creating momentum and direction
- 4. Follow through on soft throw to target; reset
