- with information from Ted Kubiak

[Editor's note: Parents, players, and coaches may all benefit from the insights in this article inspired by Ted Kubiak (see side note).

Intelligence.

A good infielder needs to be thinking all the time. At the pro level this means going beyond an 8 hr work day. But even at younger ages it means thinking while playing - what's the next pitch? what has this batter done before? who's on base? do they have speed? where should I be positioned for the best catch? the best throw?

Consistency.

Over being the best on any given play, it's best to be able to have predictable performance batter after batter, inning after inning. This consistency is a combination of agility, maturity, and aptitude (physical attributes) but also the intangibles below.

Handles pressure.

It's in the nature of baseball - at any given moment all eyes are on one player - the one the ball is coming to.

Accountable vs excuses.

No bads hops because of field conditions, no problems with the sun in the eyes. Accountability means anticipating the possible problems with rocks, dirt edges, bases, slippery grass, bright sun, and knowing a player needs to be ready for anything.

Work Ethic.

This is one more thing that's hard to teach. Work ethic doesn't mean exercising harder or running faster to get under the pop-ups or diving farther. Work ethic means showing up on time for each practice or warm-up, preparing the body - and mind - for the task ahead. And always, always staying focused.

Can take charge vocally.

This is almost 2 separate points. There's vocalizing to loosen up teammates, make the game fun (hey, we play baseball; we don't work it). But it also means calling the defensive positioning when something is spotted in the offense, and letting everyone know the outs, the runners, the pitch count, the flyballs, the base coverage. Never leave it to the catcher, or to the other fielders.

Controlled Agression.

This is often the confidence factor, knowing a player can do it and getting it done. But it's also the ability to come back strong from mistakes (which will happen) and be just as in charge, just as determined on the next pitch.

Glove Coordination / Hand Coordination.

Coaches should reinforce the 2-hand catch - not because players can't catch but because going after the ball with two hands encourages proper balance and naturally hepls a player square up on the ball.

Good starting position.

The best is like the hitting stance, in-balance, feet not too close, flex in the knees, tall upperbody not crouched over, good posture and a strong backside. It's the athletic power position.

Relaxed to be quick.

A player can't be as quick if tight. So breathing, looseness, keeping the muscles moving, can help.

Separatation of upper/lower body.

On the athletic side of the equation this is important for every player but especially for infielders who have to be able to move laterally and vertically. the power in the body comes from the core (hips and abs) and this is where torque for turns and pushes (for leaps and dives) comes from.

Strong legs, soft hands.

This speaks for itself. Soft hands is the ability to absorb a ball in the glove. Strong legs will give you those extra few feet in any direction.

Think laterally first. This is covered in part one as well. an infielder has to have the instincts to know how to get to the ball in any direction. But most first moves should be lateral.

Angles to the ball.

This is a skill, like lateral movement, that is learned through repetition and experience. It includes: judging speed and hops,  covering extra ground, having more time for the catch and still be lined up to throw. Angling means not aiming for the ball but for where you expect the ball to be when you get there.

Smooth and fluid.

If everything else is working right, a good infielder will make it look easy - the minimum effort, the timing, rhythm on the relay, with balance and control throughout. The basic guideline - if no one can spot a flaw, if nothing is noticeable, yet the player gets there consistently and smoothly, then that's the benchmark for the rest of your infield.