- Not knowing where outfielders are playing and letting a short fly drop because they assume it’s an outfield ball OR running smack into a tight playing outfielder while going after those Texas leaguers.
- Not communicating with corners on base coverage for steals, pick-offs, or bunts.
- Not clearing the base path when turning a double play. Metal cleats are now allowed in youth/high school softball. This is IMPORTANT!!!
- Sitting back and waiting for a ground ball to come to them vs closing the gap, giving the batter/runner less time to get to first, and getting to the ball before that last, possibly nasty, hop.
- Holding on to the ball longer than they need to then gunning it with all their might over to first base on every.single.play. (Note: While this may look cool, it does NOT make the play easier for your first baseman. The easier you make it for them, the more outs you’ll get over the course of a season!)
- Moving their feet in one direction while throwing in another.
- Throwing the ball overhand when they should flip/toss it (throwing the ball hard when they need to throw it quick).
- Relying solely on their teammates to line them up for cuts vs moving quickly, being aware of their surroundings, and looking in and out to help themselves get lined up.
- Not giving the outfielder a BIG (get those hands up), LOUD target when serving as a cut.
- Catching the ball with their back toward the infield while relaying a ball in from the outfield.
- Digging in, dropping back on their heels, or trying to move to a hit ball from a dead stop.
- Breaking to cover a base before the ball is hit.
- Yielding to a baserunner while in the process of going for a hit ball.
Do you see middle infielders making these mistakes?