INFIELD PLAY

All infielders should ready themselves in the same basic body position:

  Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight on balls of feet.
  Hands in front and slightly below hips.
  Body bent slightly at waist, with head up and eyes on the batter.

As the pitch is made, move up a half step; this gives you a jump on the ball.

ON GROUND BALLS:  Watch the ball all the way into your glove.  Field the ball in front of your feet (not between them) and, if possible, squarely in front of your body (not off to the side).  Your bare hand should be next to your glove, palm facing the ball.  Bend at the knees and get the glove fingers into the dirt so the ball doesn't slip under it and through your legs.   Although diving stops look impressive, ask yourself if you couldn't have fielded that ball in front had you moved more quickly.  

ON FLY BALLS:  As a general rule, if the ball is above the waist, glove fingers should be pointed up.  If the ball is coming below the waist, glove fingers should be pointed down. On pop-ups, the glove should be about head high and slightly to the throwing-hand side.  Sight over the glove to make the catch. When facing into a bright sun, close the glove and sight under it to shield your eyes. Open it to make the catch.

FIRST BASE

Unless holding a runner, the first baseman should start every play three steps into fair territory and three steps behind the first base bag.

When taking a throw, always tag the bag with the same foot as your throwing hand.  If you're right-handed, and the ball is to your right, cross your left leg over your right to reach it; if you're left-handed, cross your right leg over your left to reach the ball to your left.  While it's important to go straight to the bag on every ground ball not hit to you, don't set yourself on the bag too early; you may have to adjust for a poor throw.

SECOND BASE

Generally, the second baseman plays about two-thirds the way between first and second base and a couple of steps back of the imaginary baseline between first and second.  Use the stance described above for all infielders and be sure your weight is shifting forward as the pitch is made.  This will enable you to quickly break to either side or to charge forward on the slowly hit ball.  Keep your glove low as the ball approaches.  When you are able, get directly in front of all ground balls.  On balls hit far to either side, cross over for your first step.  Don't be afraid to dive and knock the ball down.  Often you will still have time to throw out a runner.

Young second basemen must remember that they have an important job on balls hit to the outfield -- they are often responsible for taking the relay throw, and sometimes making the throw on to third or to the plate.

Turning the double play
There are many ways to make the double-play pivot, but for younger players, the simplest is to straddle the bag and face the player feeding you the ball.  If the throw is directly to your right, tag the bag lightly with your left foot, keeping your weight on your right foot so you can make a strong throw to first.  If the throw is to your left, simply step up on the bag with your right foot and push off it as you throw to first.  Remember to get to the bag quickly when a possible double-play ball is hit, but have your body under control as you receive the throw.  After you make your throw, keep your body relaxed and try to hop over the sliding runner.  Your quickness in getting the ball out of your glove and on its way to first will determine how good you are at the double-play pivot.

When you start a double play by throwing to the shortstop, always try to feed him the ball chest high and slightly in front of him.  If you are within ten feet of him, toss the ball underhand, but with enough force and still chest high.  For longer distances, a quick, overhand throw is best.

Tagging out those nasty would-be base stealers
 
When taking a throw from the catcher on a steal attempt, it is usually best to straddle the bag and face first base.  When you catch the ball you are then in position to quickly sweep your glove between the runner and the bag.  As soon as you have made the tag, raise your glove up away from the runner to avoid having the ball knocked loose.

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