Private lessons and team practices are great, but there is a hidden gem in player development: Small Group Training. We break down why the 6-to-1 athlete-to-coach ratio might just be the “sweet spot” you need to take your swing, pitch, or glove work to the next level.
Does your bat actually fit your swing? Discover why one size doesn’t fit all, the difference between balanced and end-loaded bats, and why you should test your gear before you buy.
The weather is turning and it’s finally time to take it to the dirt. But before the first pitch is thrown, the most important thing you can dial in isn’t your swing mechanics, it’s your mental game. Learn how to set the right expectations for the long haul.
In our final Position Deep Dive, we break down exactly what it takes to patrol Right Field like a pro.
In our latest Position Deep Dive, we break down the geometry and glove work needed to own Left Field.
In our latest Position Deep Dive, we break down the elite speed and “Banana Routes” required to play Center Field at a high level.
In our latest Position Deep Dive, we break down the fearless mindset and the “slow roller” mechanics required to play Third Base.
Quick hands. Fearless feet. In our latest Position Deep Dive, we explore why the “Keystone” is one of the toughest spots on the diamond.
In our latest Position Deep Dive, we break down the art of “The Scoop” and why the First Baseman is the true anchor of the team.
If the Catcher is the Field General, the Shortstop is the Lieutenant on the ground. Walk onto any youth, high school, or college field, and ask to point out the best athlete on the team. 9 times out of 10, they are standing between second and third base. The Shortstop is the anchor. They cover the most ground, make the longest throws across the diamond, and serve as the relay hub for the outfield. It is a position that demands elite athleticism, but it requires an even higher Baseball IQ. Everyone wants to play here. Few can actually handle the responsibility. The Job Description (More Than Just Ground Balls) Fielding a standard grounder is the bare minimum requirement. The real job of a Shortstop is much more complex: The Relay Man: When a ball is hit into the left-center or left-field gap, the Shortstop goes out to be the cutoff man. You are the bridge between the outfield and home plate. The Double Play: You are the pivot point. Whether you are fielding the ball and feeding 2nd base, or covering the bag and turning the double play yourself, your footwork must be flawless to avoid the runner sliding in. The Communicator: You are responsible for communicating with the Second Baseman on who is covering the bag on a steal. You call off the Third Baseman on pop-ups. If the infield is silent, it’s the Shortstop’s fault. The Profile: Who Belongs in the Hole? The Physical Tools: Range (Lateral Quickness): Speed helps, but quickness is better. You need to explode left or right instantly. If you can’t get to the ball in the “6-hole” (deep right) or up the middle, you can’t play here. The Arm (Variable Slots): Pitchers throw over the top. Shortstops throw from everywhere. You need the arm strength to throw a “seed” to first base from deep in the hole, but also the ability to flick the ball to second base from your knees or throw on the run across your body. Soft Hands: You are going to get bad hops. You need hands that “give” with the ball rather than fighting it. Hard hands = errors. The Mental Tools (The Vocal Leader): Anticipation: The best Shortstops move before the ball is hit. They read the swing, the pitch location, and the runner’s lead. The “Clock”: You need an internal clock. You need to know exactly how fast the runner is. Do you have time to shuffle your feet, or do you have to get rid of it instantly? Confidence: You are the focal point. If you boot a grounder, the whole team feels it. You need the swagger to demand the ball on the next play. The Toolbox: What to Train If you want to own the middle of the infield, your training needs to be fast and explosive. Footwork (The Foundation) Bad infielders field with their hands; elite infielders field with their feet. You must work on breaking down your steps so you catch the ball in a rhythm that carries your momentum toward first base. Drill: Ladder drills for foot speed and “breakdown” drills where you field grounders without a glove to force proper footwork. The Backhand At higher levels, the game speeds up. You won’t be able to get in front of every ball. You must master the “Pick” (fielding off the backhand side) and the “Backhand Drive” (throwing from that position). Drill: Rapid-fire backhand feeds from a coach or machine. Throwing on the Run The “Derek Jeter Jump Throw” isn’t just for show. Sometimes, it’s the only way to get the out. You need to practice throwing while moving away from your target. Drill: The “Play on the Run.” Field a slow roller, charge it, and throw without stopping your feet. The Pro Study The Icon: Derek Jeter. He wasn’t actually the best defender statistically, but he was the ultimate leader. He was always in the right place (remember “The Flip”?). He controlled the tempo of the game. The Modern Standard: Francisco Lindor. Watch his feet. They never stop moving. He makes difficult plays look routine because his footwork puts him in a perfect position to throw. Also, notice his energy—he is constantly talking, moving, and keeping his pitcher engaged. The Bottom Line Shortstop is the heartbeat of the defense. It requires the range of an outfielder, the hands of a surgeon, and the arm of a pitcher. If you want to play here, you have to be willing to work harder than anyone else on the field. Own the Infield. Do you have the footwork to play at the next level? Our Infield Clinics focus specifically on glove work, double-play turns, and increasing your range. Come in and refine your mechanics with our experienced coaches.
