The ball is hit to you. Where is the play?

Every ground ball asks a question. Learn the handful of rules that answer it, then step onto the field: the game throws you a situation, you make the throw, and the coach tells you exactly why it was right — or what the better out was.

Take the field or start with the lessons.

Count the forces

Before every pitch, know which bases you can simply touch for an out — and which runners you would have to tag.

Take the lead runner

When you have time, get the runner closest to scoring. The batter at first is the least dangerous runner out there.

Take the sure out

If the lead-runner play is a coin flip, take the out you know you can get. Everybody safe is the worst outcome.

Never throw behind

A throw to a base where nobody is running costs you the real out and hands the trailing runner a free base.

The lessons

  • How baseball works — Two teams, three outs, runs and innings. The whole game in about two minutes.
  • The field — Four bases, a dirt diamond, grass to the fence, and two white lines.
  • Nine fielders, nine jobs — Pitcher to right fielder — where everyone stands and what they're there for.
  • Why the shortstop is 6 — Every position has a number, 1 to 9. It's how plays get their names — like the famous 6-4-3.
  • Being the pitcher — You throw every pitch — and the second it's hit, you're the closest fielder to everything.
  • The catcher — The only player who sees the whole field — and the last one standing between a runner and a run.
  • First base — More outs go through your glove than anyone else's. Catch everything.
  • Second base — You live in the middle of everything: double plays, steals, and every relay from right field.
  • Third base: the hot corner — The hardest-hit balls on the field come at you — and you get no time to think.
  • The shortstop — Captain of the infield. More ground balls, more ground to cover, more decisions than anyone.
  • Left field — The busiest outfield spot — and the shortest throws when it matters.
  • Center field — The most grass, the most ground to cover, and the loudest voice in the outfield.
  • Right field — Home of the strongest arm on the field — and the smartest choices about when to use it.
  • Touch the base or touch the runner? — The first thing every fielder learns. Sometimes you just step on the bag. Sometimes you have to catch the runner.
  • Get the lead runner — The runner closest to home is the dangerous one. When you have time, go get THEM.
  • Two outs on one ball — Runner on first, ground ball to the infield. You can get TWO outs if you go to second first.
  • Take the sure out — Going for the big play is fun. Everybody safe is not. Know when to take the easy one.
  • Two outs changes everything — With two outs, ANY force ends the inning — and the run doesn't count. Even if they crossed the plate.
  • Infield in! — Runner on third, close game. Coach yells "infield in!" Now the play is at home.
  • Hit the cut-off — Outfielders: when you can't get the lead runner, keep everybody else where they are.
  • Fly balls and tag-ups — After you catch it, runners can take off from their base. Know who is going — and who you can get.
  • Never throw behind the runner — Throwing to a base where nobody is running gives away a free base — and the out you had.