Defensive Infield Efficiency

with Seth Thibodeaux,
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Assistant Coach;
Nicolls State University Head Coach from 2011 to 2021;
2014 Southland Conference Coach of The Year;
.982 Team fielding percentage, ranking first in the Sun Belt and tied 4th nationally;
has had 18 student-athletes play professional baseball in the last eight years

The race to 27 outs in a baseball game is won or lost with consistency in the infield. Seth Thibodeaux's Nicholls State Colonels consistently ranked at the top of the Southland Conference in fielding percentage by keeping their infield defense approach simple and consistent. Utilizing proper glove placement and presentation to calmly and consistently play catch, combined with elite communication to work together as one defensive unit, is Coach Thibodeaux's trademark and will help mold your team into an efficient defensive machine.

Start With "Early" Work

Every day starts with consistent purpose at Nicholls State. Appropriate attention to arm care, footwork, and vision build the foundation of a good practice. Making sure your athletes are warm and focused before seeing a ground ball will set the tone for effective reps.

Coach Thibodeaux's practice plans are focused and consistent. His "Early Work" drills include:

• Footwork - Drills utilizing agility cones and ladders to create athletic movements with connected body and eyes, calmly working together.
• Muscle Memory - Focused pancake gloves reinforce the use of two hands when applicable, and shortened mitts allow for concentrated eyes and hands working together to field the baseball in the heart of the glove.
• Angles - The V-Cut and Drop Step drills will get your athletes in the right mindset to attack the baseball methodically and extend their range.

Properly Play Catch

Ball security is a premium for effective defensive play. By correctly throwing and receiving the baseball, a cohesive infield can consistently make the plays that should be made. Coach Thibodeaux and the Colonels athletes demonstrate effective ways to:

• Present a calm and consistent glove target for your partner/teammate.
• Grip and throw a 4-seam baseball with backspin for maximum consistency.
• Accurately hit your target with clean mechanics and lower body engagement, especially the hip drive from the back leg.
• Promote efficiency in every play and eliminate errors, allow for mistakes, and seize the opportunity for coach involvement to build relationships with players and their growth.

Put "Core" Drills at the Core of Your Practice

When your athletes are healthy, warm, and athletic, it's time to field the baseball. Rolled balls in a controlled environment, situational plays with fungos or machines, and challenging competitive drills all combine to create an immersive defensive practice at Nicholls State.

Core areas for developing elite defenders include practicing routine plays, uncomfortable plays, "freedom" plays and situational plays. You'll get multiple drills for each type of play courtesy of Coach Thibodeaux that will make sure your players can handle any kind of ball hit at them in any situation.

With 25 game-like defensive drills, Thibodeaux shows the keys to footwork, athleticism, glove handling, and accurate throwing that will develop fundamentally sound infielders. By learning how to be quiet and purposeful with your glove and eyes while playing catch, fielding the baseball or even showing your target, you can consistently be in the right place at the right time to effortlessly get 27 outs.

89 minutes. 2021.