Youth Baseball Infield Drills: Four Fielding Stations

An infield practice should move from a clean first touch to an accurate decision. These four stations progress from a safe rolled ground ball to moving laterally, charging a slow roller, and choosing a force-play target.

Safety

An adult controls every feed and live throw. Players wait outside the active lane and retrieve balls only after the coach calls the reset. Match ball hardness and throwing distance to the players, and follow local field and league safety rules.

Practice setup

Use a marked coach rolling line, a separate throwing lane, and a clear waiting cone for each station. Start with soft practice balls if players are learning the glove position. Keep active balls away from any batting station.

Equipment

  • Gloves
  • Soft practice balls or baseballs suited to the group
  • Cones or flat markers
  • A base or flat target
  • Optional adult helper

Drills

Ready, funnel, set

Teaches: Getting in front of a ground ball and bringing it securely to the throwing hand.

Equipment

  • Gloves
  • 6–10 balls
  • 2 cones

Setup

Mark a 6–8-yard roll lane from coach to fielder and a waiting cone off to the side. Put a target beside the coach for the return.

Steps

  1. Coach rolls a ball straight to the fielder. The player gets feet moving, fields out front, covers the ball with the throwing hand, then makes a controlled return after setting the feet.
  2. Repeat a few rolls before rotating; send the next player only after the ball is returned.

Coaching cues

  • Move feet so the chest faces the ball.
  • Glove low and out in front.
  • Secure first; throw second.

Common mistakes

  • Standing upright and reaching down late
  • Looking at the throw before securing the ball
  • Rolling another ball while one is still loose

Adaptations

  • New 8U players: use a soft ball and a short underhand return.
  • Ready players: vary roll speed and require a step toward the target.

Two-side ground-ball read

Teaches: Taking a first step to the ball and adjusting glove position on forehand and backhand sides.

Equipment

  • Gloves
  • Balls
  • 3 cones

Setup

Put a middle start cone with target cones about 2 yards left and right. The coach rolls from 7–10 yards away into either side lane.

Steps

  1. Player starts ready; coach points or rolls left or right. Player takes a small first step, moves behind the ball if possible, fields, and returns through the outside lane.
  2. Switch sides on successive repetitions rather than asking every child to make a diving play.

Coaching cues

  • First step toward the bounce.
  • Keep eyes level while moving.
  • Use two hands when your feet can get in front.

Common mistakes

  • Crossing feet too early and losing balance
  • Trying to backhand a ball that can be reached with the feet
  • Rolling beyond the marked area

Adaptations

  • Beginners: point to the side before the roll.
  • Ready players: delay the direction cue and vary a gentle hop.

Charge the slow roller

Teaches: Moving toward a slow ball and making a safe, balanced throw from a shorter fielding distance.

Equipment

  • Gloves
  • Balls
  • Cones
  • Flat first-base target

Setup

Mark a start spot at shortstop and a 5-yard approach lane. Put an adult receiver at a short, age-appropriate first-base target.

Steps

  1. Coach trickles a ball into the lane. Fielder charges under control, gathers with glove and hand, slows enough to make a balanced throw, and follows the throw toward the target.
  2. Receiver returns the ball only after the lane is empty.

Coaching cues

  • Close the distance early.
  • Gather low, then bring feet toward first.
  • An accurate short throw beats a rushed hard throw.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting for the ball to stop
  • Throwing while falling away from the target
  • Letting the next player enter before the throw is complete

Adaptations

  • 8U: roll closer and let the player stop before throwing.
  • Ready 10U–12U: add a gentle moving catch and an adult calling the target.

Force-play choice

Teaches: Identifying the lead force and making a clear, controllable feed before trying to turn two.

Equipment

  • Gloves
  • Balls
  • Two flat bases or targets
  • Cones

Setup

Mark second base and first base targets with adult receivers. Coach rolls ground balls to one fielder from a clear feed lane; use a runner marker rather than a live runner at first.

Steps

  1. Before each roll, coach calls the situation: runner on first, or bases empty. Fielder fields and says the chosen target aloud before making a short controlled feed.
  2. Reset the marker and ball between reps. Add a receiving player at second only once players can make a safe accurate feed.

Coaching cues

  • Know the situation before the ball moves.
  • Name the target and set the feet.
  • Get one sure out before adding a second throw.

Common mistakes

  • Throwing automatically to first with a force available
  • Rushing an off-balance second throw
  • Putting a runner in the throwing lane

Adaptations

  • Beginners: choose between two labeled flat markers and roll gently.
  • Ready players: rotate fielding positions and add a controlled second-base feed.

Use this guide in practice

With one coach, run one active station at a time and give the waiting players a dry footwork role. With helpers, rotate small groups through three stations, then bring everyone together for force-play decisions.

Related resources

First-week coaching resources

Choose your sport inside the practice builder and adapt the drills to your players, time, and local rules.