Know your next play
Before each pitch, the shortstop checks the outs, runners and likely force play, then shares the coverage call with the second baseman.
Coaching Points
Ask two adjacent defenders to repeat the same coverage call.
Common Mistakes
Knowing your own job is not enough when the next base is uncovered.
Alternative Considerations
The coach may change alignment by hitter and score; communicate the change.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.
Secure the routine out
A ground ball comes with no realistic play on the lead runner. Field under control and choose the available out instead of forcing a late throw.
Coaching Points
Rehearse the first choice and a fallback when the ball is bobbled.
Common Mistakes
A predetermined throw can survive in a player's mind after the play changes.
Alternative Considerations
Late-game score and outs may justify a different risk; name it before the pitch.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.
Recheck the force
The batter is out on an infield fly. A runner leaves a base as the ball drops untouched. The original force situation has changed.
Coaching Points
Practice saying 'force' or 'tag' again after an out changes the play.
Common Mistakes
The bases occupied at the start do not freeze every later force.
Alternative Considerations
An actual caught fly adds retouch responsibilities; read the catch too.
Rules/safety: fly
Recognize an infield fly
There is one out, runners on first and second, and a fair pop-up an infielder can catch with ordinary effort. It is neither a bunt nor a line drive.
Coaching Points
The umpire judges ordinary effort. Players still communicate and try to catch the ball.
Common Mistakes
Do not assume every pop-up anywhere is an infield fly.
Alternative Considerations
With two outs or only a runner on first, these conditions are not met.
Rules/safety: fly
Assign bunt coverage
The coach calls a bunt defense. The charging fielder, base cover and backup player repeat their jobs before the next pitch.
Coaching Points
Walk through the rotation without a ball, then add a controlled bunt.
Common Mistakes
Two fielders charging can leave a base empty.
Alternative Considerations
Use different calls for runners on first and first-and-second; do not improvise a universal rotation.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.
Defend an actual lead
An Intermediate runner takes a lead. The pitcher and infielder agree on a pickoff signal and a safe receiving position.
Coaching Points
Rehearse a legal step-and-throw and a clear target at low intensity.
Common Mistakes
Majors no-pre-pitch-lead teaching is not the Intermediate rule.
Alternative Considerations
Do not overuse throws; coordinate this practice with the day's workload.
Rules/safety: leads pickoff safety