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  3. Fielding

Situation Thinking

Know where the ball goes before it is hit.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Picture runners on base with 0, 1, and 2 outs.

Core: Medium. Beat your own best of clean plays out of 10.

Ages
11 and up
Time
10 min
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Notebook
Level · skill
Developing · Fielding

The steps

How it works

  1. Picture runners on base with 0, 1, and 2 outs.
  2. For each, say out loud where you throw the ball.
  3. Write down any you are unsure of.
  4. Check your answers with your coach.

Coaching point

Know your play before the pitch.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Fielding game: a partner rolls ground balls and you field and throw to a cone. The pair counts clean plays, then swaps.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (slow rolls), Core (medium), More (to your sides). Beat your own best of clean plays out of 10.

Story

You are the shortstop in the big game, and every clean play is a big play.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own best of clean plays out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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