Elite Hot Corner Play: Creating Great Defensive Third Basemen

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

80% of the balls hit to third base take bad hops, making it one of the most difficult positions to play. Because it's difficult to play, it can be a difficult position to coach as well. This video featuring Nicholls State University head coach, Seth Thibodeaux, will teach you how to build third basemen who possess the proper mindset/tools to make difficult plays routine and improve your overall team defense.

Third Base Absolutes

Coach Thibodeaux details the absolutes that all third basemen must possess to be successful. Beginning with a ball security mindset, Thibodeaux explains how to get your players to play the game on a star within a four foot box by detailing the progression of catching a ground ball. You'll learn the importance, timing, and variations of the prep step before transitioning to early work and getting players locked in for the day.

Individual foot, hand, and eye isolation work is explained ,along with how to play catch properly. Coach Thibodeaux provides an in-depth explanation of thumb placement, grip, and how to create backspin in addition to drills designed to help ensure accuracy and success on game day.

Practice Drills

Next, Thibodeaux shows a variety of drills including: 4 Square, V Cuts, Angles, Drop Steps, QB Rollouts, 1-Hop Relays, the Star Drill, and three daily foundation drills. Each drill is designed to focus on multiple aspects of becoming an elite third basemen. The instruction is deep, yet easy enough for coaches and athletes of all levels to be able to comprehend and implement into their daily routines.

Athletes looking to become an advanced third baseman will benefit from this video. Coach Thibodeaux provides coaches with everything needed to move their third basemen away from reactionary play and instill a ball security mindset in their third basemen, who will develop the ability to defend at a high level.

46 minutes. 2021.