Starting on the balls of the feet gives a player time to move in any direction instead of standing tall and reaching.
SESSION 02
Forehand and Backhand Lanes
A defender should move the feet to create a playable angle rather than stretching the glove from a planted stance.
SESSION 03
Hop, Gather, Throw
Fielding is not complete until the next throw is made from balance.
SESSION 04
Week-One Defender Check
Simple measurement identifies whether missed plays come from reading, fielding or throwing rather than guessing.
WEEK 02
Win the first two steps
SESSION 05
Short-Hop Choice
Children should learn when to attack a short hop and when to stay back; forcing every hop creates unnecessary errors.
SESSION 06
Slow Roller Attack
A slow roller changes the footwork and tempo of the play; rushing the glove usually makes the transfer harder.
SESSION 07
Fly Ball First Step
The first move should follow the ball's likely path rather than a blind backward sprint.
SESSION 08
Communication in the Air
Calls prevent collisions and make shared fly balls safer for young defenders.
WEEK 03
Make the next play
SESSION 09
Force vs Tag
Understanding the out changes where and how a player receives a ball.
SESSION 10
Around-the-Horn Feet
Accurate, catchable throws depend on orienting feet and giving the receiver a friendly target.
SESSION 11
Outfield Angle Play
Chasing straight at a rolling ball can allow it to pass; taking a shallow angle creates a safer stop.
SESSION 12
Defensive Midpoint Check
Mixing grounders, fly balls and decisions reveals whether a skill carries to varied reps.
WEEK 04
Compete with real reads
SESSION 13
Cutoff and Backup Roles
Every fielder has a job on balls hit away from them, including being a backup instead of a spectator.
SESSION 14
Two-Out Ball Security
Outs and runners change the urgency of a play; secure the ball first when a bobble would cost more time.
SESSION 15
Mixed-Speed Defender Circuit
Players must preserve fundamentals even when the next ball looks different from the previous rep.
SESSION 16
Final Game-Ready Assessment
A useful final test checks readiness, handling, choices and effort without turning training into pressure.
READY WHEN THEY ARE
Next level starts with confidence.
There is no required seven-day streak, no need to log a child's identifying details, and no promise that practice guarantees performance. These sessions are designed for a parent or coach to lead at an appropriate pace.
46/60 Academy builds the complete young baseball or softball player. When a hitter is ready for deeper swing development, strength and explosiveness, pitch recognition or mental training, progress to AHD's specialist programs. AHD is not a Level 3 pitching, catching or fielding academy.
