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.
Know when the force disappears
With runners on first and second and one out, the umpire declares an infield fly on a qualifying fair fly. It drops untouched in fair territory.
Coaching Points
Keep the ball live, identify the runner's actual obligation and use a tag when there is no force.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse an out on the batter with a dead ball for everyone.
Alternative Considerations
If the fly is caught, runners still have retouch responsibilities. Walk the caught and dropped versions separately.
Rules/safety: fly
Read a possible infield fly
First and second are occupied with one out. A fair fly, not a bunt or liner, can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort.
Coaching Points
The umpire judges ordinary effort; defenders should keep working through the play.
Common Mistakes
A fixed grass line does not decide ordinary effort.
Alternative Considerations
With two outs, or only first occupied, this particular infield-fly setup is absent.
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 a permitted lead
This Mustang exercise explicitly uses Rule 9(O)(1), the unrestricted option. Regular-season leagues may instead adopt option (2) or (3); check first.
Coaching Points
Use a slow demonstration, clear receiver communication and safe tag spacing before adding speed.
Common Mistakes
A field dimension does not supply a rule, and a legal play is not a license for unsafe contact.
Alternative Considerations
For Mustang, repeat the exercise explanation whenever the adopted 9(O) option or occupied base changes.
Rules/safety: pickoff balk safety