Situation hub
Ground balls in the infield
Ground balls in the infield look simple until runners are moving. These plays show which out matters, who covers the bag, where the batter-runner goes, and how the rest of the defense protects against an overthrow.
When to use it
When to teach this family
- Use these plays for routine grounders with runners aboard, especially when the defense has a force option.
- Teach them before infield practice so players understand the ball, bag, backup, and trail jobs together.
- Review them when players throw across the diamond without checking the easier force or lead-runner play.
Common mistakes
What to watch
- Fielders rushing the throw before setting their feet.
- Middle infielders drifting off the bag before the force is complete.
- Corners chasing the ball and leaving third or first open for advancing runners.
- Outfield backups reacting too late because they assume an infield grounder will stay in the infield.
5 plays
Concrete plays in this family
-
Ground ball | Shortstop
Ground ball to short with runner on 3rd, infield in
Shortstop charges the ball and the defense cuts down the run at home before worrying about first base.
3B | 1 out -
Ground ball | Pitcher
Ground ball to pitcher with bases empty
The infielder fields the routine ground ball, the defense covers first, and the throw beats the batter-runner.
Bases empty | 0 outs -
Ground ball | First base
Ground ball to 1st base with bases empty
The infielder fields the routine ground ball, the defense covers first, and the throw beats the batter-runner.
Bases empty | 0 outs -
Ground ball | Second base
Ground ball to 2nd base with bases empty
The infielder fields the routine ground ball, the defense covers first, and the throw beats the batter-runner.
Bases empty | 0 outs -
Ground ball | Third base
Ground ball to 3rd base with bases empty
The infielder fields the routine ground ball, the defense covers first, and the throw beats the batter-runner.
Bases empty | 0 outs