Fielding Development Program

The fielding program is designed to develop confident, athletic infielders and outfielders who move efficiently, make smart decisions, and execute fundamentals at a high level. Built on the same player-development principles used in college and professional baseball, this program builds the footwork, glove work, athleticism, and situational IQ needed to excel on defense.

1. Initial Defensive Assessment

Each player begins with a structured evaluation that may include:

  • Footwork and first-step quickness
  • Glove presentation and hand actions
  • Arm strength and throwing accuracy
  • Fielding angles and approach to the ball
  • Backhand/forehand proficiency
  • Double-play feeds and pivots (infielders)
  • Reads, routes, and tracking (outfielders)

 

This establishes a baseline and guides each athlete’s development plan.

2. Footwork, Angles & Athletic Positioning

Great defense starts with movement. Players learn:

  • Efficient pre-pitch movement and ready position
  • Correct angles to ground balls and fly balls
  • Proper footwork for different types of plays
  • Lateral movement and quick recovery steps
  • Proper approach to short hops and in-between hops

 

These skills allow athletes to get into strong, repeatable fielding positions.

3. Glove Work & Ball Handling Skills

We build soft, confident hands through targeted drills focusing on:

  • Clean receiving and funneling
  • Proper glove presentation
  • Short-hop mastery
  • Forehand/backhand technique
  • Quick ball transfer into throwing position
 

The goal is smooth, consistent glove action under pressure.

 

4. Throwing Mechanics & Arm Action Development

Players improve throwing speed and accuracy with:

  • Efficient arm-path instruction
  • Proper footwork for each throw type
  • Quick exchange and release timing
  • Accuracy training under game-like conditions
  • Long-term arm-strength development

 

Every rep reinforces repeatable throwing mechanics.

5. Infield & Outfield Skill Progressions

Infielders work on:

  • Double-play feeds and pivots
  • Slow-roller technique
  • Backhand recovery
  • Short hops and rapid exchanges
  • Throwing on the run

 

Outfielders focus on:

  • Reading off the bat
  • Efficient routes and angles
  • Catching on the move
  • Crow-hop mechanics
  • Cutoff and relay execution

6. Defensive IQ & Game Strategy

Players develop a deeper understanding of the game through:

  • Situational positioning
  • Knowing speed of runners
  • Communication with teammates
  • Knowing when to eat the ball vs. make the throw
  • Anticipation and pre-play decision-making
 

This turns athletes into smart, game-ready defenders.

7. Game-Like Reps & Pressure Simulation

To prepare for real competition, athletes train with:

  • Live fungo work
  • Reaction drills
  • Rapid-fire ground balls
  • On-the-run plays
  • Situational defensive scenarios

 

These sessions build confidence and consistency on game day.

8. Re-Assessment & Progress Tracking

At the end of the training block, players are re-tested to measure improvements in:

  • Footwork speed
  • Transfer time
  • Fielding efficiency
  • Throwing accuracy
  • Decision-making and defensive IQ

 

Players receive guidance for continuing development between cycles.

 

The Goal

To develop reliable, athletic defenders who understand the game, handle pressure, and make plays with confidence—whether competing at the youth level, preparing for high school, or aiming for college opportunities.

216 ACADEMY

Where baseball and softball players choose to train!