What does baseball fielding training with Coach Cinz cover?
Good infielders are not born with soft hands. They are built, one clean rep at a time. Baseball fielding training with Coach Cinz teaches players how to read the ball off the bat, get their feet in the right place, secure the catch and make an accurate throw, in that order and on time.
Coach Cinz has spent over 25 years in baseball as a player or coach. For the five years before the pandemic he was a hitting, fielding and pitching instructor with the Chicago White Sox organization, working mainly with pre-draft players in the local area. That experience shapes every lesson: we focus on movements, mechanics and, most importantly, timing.
Training covers the whole defensive picture for infielders and position players:
- Ready position and first step so the athlete is moving before the ball arrives.
- Glove work on routine grounders, backhands, forehands and short hops.
- Footwork through the ball and into a strong throwing position.
- Throwing accuracy from every infield spot, including quick transfers.
- Game situations such as double plays, cutoffs and knowing where the play is before the pitch.
We also work on the mental side. A confident fielder wants the ball hit to him. Building that confidence, and the consistency behind it, is part of the plan from day one. If your player keeps misplaying routine grounders, start with our guide on how to stop booting ground balls.
What are the 6 F's of a great infielder?
At the core of our baseball fielding training, Coach Cinz teaches infield play through a simple framework he calls the 6 F's of a great infielder: Feet, Field, Funnel, Footwork, Fire and Follow. Each F is one step in a single play, so players can remember the sequence under pressure and coaches can pinpoint exactly where a play broke down.
- Feet – an athletic, balanced setup and an active first step.
- Field – getting the glove out front and securing the ball.
- Funnel – bringing the ball into the body and toward the throwing hand.
- Footwork – moving the feet to line up with the target.
- Fire – a strong, accurate throw.
- Follow – finishing the throw toward the target and staying in the play.
Because the steps are linked, a problem early in the play shows up later. A bad throw is often a footwork issue, and a booted ball often starts with flat feet. We break each F down in detail in the 6 F's of a great infielder explained.
How does fielding training work, from first visit to game-ready?
Every athlete starts in a different place, so our baseball fielding training is never a one-size-fits-all program. The process is built around the athlete's goals first.
- Benchmark, Step 1. The athlete answers a few goal questions online. It is free and takes a few minutes. Start the Benchmark Process here.
- Benchmark, Step 2. We measure current skills and metrics together with the coach, so we know exactly where the athlete stands.
- A plan. Coach Cinz builds a plan around those goals, whether that is making the high school team, earning a middle infield spot or simply playing with more confidence.
- Lessons and clinics. The athlete trains through private lessons, the Fielding Clinic, or a mix of both, and we adjust as they improve.
Parents tell us they appreciate that Coach Cinz explains the "why" behind each adjustment. Players understand what they are changing and why it matters, which helps the change stick in games. He is also patient with kids who learn differently, so every athlete gets coaching in a way that makes sense to them.
Every athlete who books training also gets a Play 2 Earn Sports player profile to track stats, goals and progress.
What happens at the Fielding Clinic?
The Fielding Clinic is a 1.5-hour group session that puts the 6 F's into action. It is one of the most complete ways to get baseball fielding training in a short block of time.
- Teaching the 6 F's. Players learn each step and why it matters.
- Drills. Focused reps on setup, glove work, funnelling, footwork and throwing.
- Live action off the bat. Real ground balls with real spin and speed, not just rolled balls.
- Situational plays. Players apply what they learned to game situations so they know what to do before the ball is hit.
The clinic is $204 per athlete. A group option is available at 3× the price, which works well for siblings, friends or a small group of teammates. Between clinics, players can keep sharp with our infield drills for kids at home.
Where can I find infield lessons near me in Naperville?
Lessons, camps and clinics are held at The Play & Thrive Club Naperville, 808 Illinois Rte 59 #120, Naperville, IL 60564, during the off-season and on rainy days. The indoor space means training does not stop when the weather does.
Private lessons can also take place at a location of your choice within the Chicagoland area, such as your local field. We serve most areas from Chicago to Aurora, including Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Lisle, Wheaton, Warrenville, Oswego, Downers Grove and the western Chicago suburbs.
Not local? A Zoom Lesson or Video Analysis lets Coach Cinz review your player's fielding and send back drills from anywhere. Learn more about baseball lessons in Naperville.
How much do fielding lessons cost?
Pricing is simple, and you can choose the format that fits your athlete:
- Private Lesson – $65 for 30 minutes, one-on-one. Book multiple blocks for a longer session.
- Fielding Clinic – $204 for 1.5 hours, group format.
- Personal Assessment – $195, one-on-one. The best first step if you want an honest opinion of where your player stands.
- Video Analysis – $35. Submit a video of your player fielding and get drills back.
Members save $20 per lesson, with no limit. For accurate throws after the catch, read how to improve throwing accuracy from the infield. Questions? Text 312-493-3067 or email [email protected], or see all programs.
