High school
Fielding / Infield
All positions
Intermediate
Valle Infield Progression - Stationary to Movement Posture Series
Progressive infield drill that builds from stationary short-hops and funnels into full movement, emphasizing posture, timing of the glove foot, and transition to power position.
- Skill:
- posture, short hops, footwork timing, transfer
- Equipment:
- Cones
- Duration:
- About 12 min
- Setting:
- Indoor
- Players:
- Partner
Coaching notes
Players begin in athletic fielding posture (wide base, hips hinged, chest over the ball, hands out front). Coach feeds short hops or rollers. Athletes progress from stationary catches to staggered-stance, flamingo, and moving plays while timing the glove foot to land as the ball enters the glove.
Objectives
Develop consistent fielding posture, soft hands on short hops, efficient right-left footwork into the throw, and game-like transition timing.
Coaching cues
Chest over the ground; hands out in front of the eyes; glove foot lands as the ball hits the glove; right foot replaces the glove into power position; eyes behind the glove on backhands.
Common errors
Sitting back on the heels; stabbing at the ball; landing the glove foot too early or too late; rising up out of posture before the throw.
Safety
Start with soft rollers or short hops; progress distance gradually; ensure clear throwing lanes.
Setup
Cones for visual targets; partner or coach feeding; can be done indoors or outdoors with limited space.
Progressions
Stationary → staggered stance → flamingo balance → one- or two-step movement → full charge and throw.
Variations
Two-handed vs one-handed; forehand vs backhand lanes; closed backhand step-across; heavy right-foot emphasis.
Steps
- 1. Stationary posture: catch short hop or roller, right foot replaces glove into power position.
- 2. Staggered stance: glove foot forward of cone, time landing of glove foot with ball entry.
- 3. Flamingo variation: balance on back leg, then drive glove foot as ball arrives.
- 4. Add movement: one or two steps into the ball, maintain posture and direction toward target.
Source:
Valle / Coach Dave Steinman
