The tag is a catch and a tag. A bad catch lets the runner slide in safe. The right move is to catch the ball with the glove already low so the tag is automatic. This is the play middle infielders mess up because they catch high and then drop the glove down.
What you need: A glove, 6 baseballs, a base or a flat marker.
Setup: Kid stands behind the base in the catching position with one foot near the bag. You stand 20 feet away with the bucket.
How to run it:
- Cue: Eyes, Hands, Squeeze, Pull.
- Player is in the ready position with the glove already low, near the bag, palm up.
- Throw a one-hop ball to the bag. They catch with the glove low and let the throwing hand cover the top.
- After 5 reps, throw straight to the bag (no hop). Same low catch.
- Last 5: throw slightly off the bag. They catch and sweep the glove back to the bag for the tag.
What to watch: Where the glove is when the ball arrives. Glove low and at the bag is correct. Glove at chest, then dropped down, is too slow.
If they’re struggling: Skip the bag. Just have them practice the low catch position with throws to their shins.
If they’ve got it: Add a runner who slides into the bag. The tag has to land before the slide.