Pop-up Over the Middle Infield
Priority: SS/2B over P/C
A high pop-up over the middle of the infield. Priority rules decide who takes it — the shortstop or second baseman calls off the pitcher and catcher, loud and early.
Press Watch the Play to run the sequence, or tap any player to study their job.
All 9 jobs
Ball Bag Backup
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P
Pitcher Backup
Get out of the way and point to the ball; never fight an infielder for a pop-up.
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C
Catcher Backup
Stay ready in case it drifts back toward the plate, but defer to the infielders.
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1B
First Base Bag
Drift toward the ball but yield to the second baseman, then get back to cover first.
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2B
Second Base Backup
Echo the call; if the shortstop calls it, peel off and back him up.
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3B
Third Base Bag
Drift in but yield to the shortstop, then get back to third.
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SS
Shortstop Ball
Call it loud and early — middle infielders have priority over the pitcher and catcher. Settle under it.
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LF
Left Field Backup
Back up the play in case it's misjudged.
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CF
Center Field Backup
Charge in hard — an outfielder can take charge if he gets there in time.
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RF
Right Field Backup
Back up the play from the right side.
Coaching notes
Priority on pop-ups: outfielders over infielders, middle infielders over corners, everyone over the pitcher and catcher. Call it loud, call it early.
Pop-up communication drill: throw high pops between players; the one with priority calls it three times and everyone else echoes and clears.
Two players converging in silence — that's how collisions and dropped 'easy' outs happen.