Coaching Basics: Start Here

New to baseball or softball? Learn the positions and their numbers, the field, and the rules every player should know, explained simply with clear diagrams.

Positions and the Field

Who plays where, the position numbers 1 through 9, and how the field is laid out.

Baseball Positions (1-9)

All nine positions, their numbers, and what each player does.

Softball Positions (1-9)

The same nine positions on the softball diamond.

Baseball Field Diagram

The diamond, the positions, field dimensions, and a printable.

Softball Field Diagram

The softball field with positions and fastpitch dimensions.

Hardest and Easiest Positions

Positions ranked by difficulty, and how to pick a fit.

Rules and Situations

The rules and plays that confuse new players and parents the most, in plain English.

The Infield Fly Rule

When it is called, why it exists, and what happens next.

Tagging Up

How runners advance on a caught fly ball, and when they can leave.

Bunt Defense

Who fields the bunt, who covers, and where the throw goes.

All Rules and Situations

Browse every rule and situation explainer.

Go Deeper

Once the basics click, these take you from knowing the game to coaching it.

Coaching Handbook

In-depth guides for every position, situation, and skill.

Ball, Base, or Backup

The simple framework for where every fielder goes on a ball in play.

Baseball IQ Test

Test your game sense with real situations.