The first baseman will be holding the runner, so he will shuffle in front of the baseline once the pitcher delivers to home plate. The corner infielders are typically even with the base so that they too can field a ground ball as soon as possible and get the double play started. If the SS and 2B are too far from the base, they won’t get there soon enough to complete the double play.ĭouble plays happen only on medium or hard-hit ground balls, and a lot has to happen in a very short time. Many youth coaches misuse infield in by over-using itīasic Infield Position #3: Double-Play Depthĭouble-play depth is different than the standard infield positioning in that middle infielders need to be closer to 2nd base so they can quickly touch the base and make the return throw to first.Bringing the infield in can also be used sparingly with a runner on third when there is not a big threat of a big inning.Infield in Is typically used only late in games when the runner on third base CANNOT score – this means the runner is usually the tying or go-ahead run.This GREATLY reduces the range of infielders, so it should not be used in non-essential situations, because more routine ground balls and bloopers will fall in for hits.Here are key things to know about infield in: Infield in calls for infielders to position themselves on the infield grass where they can get a runner on third out at home plate if he runs on contact.

The first baseman can play deeper than the third baseman because he’s close to first base, but in this “standard” defense both are shown in similar positions.The shortstop will play pretty deep, but has to be mindful of the runner and his own throwing arm strength.The third and first baseman are never standing too close or too far from the line, and their proximity to home plate varies based on the perceived speed of the hitter.

Where does shortstop play