Jim Dietz's Defensive 2-Pack

with Jim Dietz,
former San Diego State University Head Coach,
ABCA Hall of Fame 2002

In this video, Coach Dietz lays out the practical steps of organizing a championship defensive practice that is efficient and keeps everyone involved. Dietz strongly emphasizes the importance of a set daily routine so every player knows each drill and achieves continuity in each practice. Dietz's goal for each defensive practice is safety, concentration, and pride, which he emphasizes here in six defensive drills through discussion and on-field demonstration. His drills start with the outfielders and work in to the infielders, pitchers, and catchers. Areas covered include outfield/infield communication, relays, spin-turns and rundowns, defending the running game, bunt defense positions and execution, and pitch-outs and pick-offs. In addition, a game called "Speedball," invented at SDSU, shows how to add a little fun to your practice while still maintaining the purpose. Dietz shows how to create and plan an effective and efficient defensive practice that achieves a flow and a daily routine to help you be organized and get the most out of your practice and players at any level!

49 minutes. 2004.

with Jim Dietz,
former San Diego State University Head Coach,
ABCA Hall of Fame 2002

Defense wins games and championships!Here, Coach Dietz, with over 1200 wins in his college coaching career, shares how to build a defensive strategy. In a lecture-style setting, Dietz begins with his 10 rules of defense, emphasizing knowing the opposition, your team, and combining aggressiveness and control. He then gets into the "heart" of defensive strategy by covering five defensive areas; bunt defense, run defense, outfield defense, catcher defense, and pitcher defense. In each of these sets he discusses and diagrams individual responsibilities in various situations and set plays, including sacrifice and squeeze bunts, pitch-outs, 1st and 3rd plays, and the "Gap" defense in the outfield. A few major points of emphasis thoroughly explained here are effective communication and using set plays with signs and adequate preparation. This video is a great complement to the team defense drills video, "Organizing Defensive Practice," as it gives you a defensive strategy in all situations, allowing you to create a well-prepared defensive team on your way to victory at all levels!

55 minutes. 2004.

See all the items in this series!

• Jim Dietz's Total Team Defense Drills
• Jim Dietz's Team Defensive Strategy