2nd
3rd
1st
HM
High School Diamond
1st, 2nd, 3rd & Home
Infield (6): Pitcher (on strip), Catcher (behind home), 1st Base, 2nd Base, 3rd Base, and Shortstop (between 2nd and 3rd).
Outfield (4): Left Field, Left-Center, Right-Center, and Right Field.
Competitive play requires athletes to shift their depth based on the kicker's strength. Outfielders must maintain 15-20ft spacing between each other for optimal gap coverage across the entire 180-degree fair zone.
Contact must be made behind or on home plate. Any kick in front of the plate is a foul. The Strike Zone extends 1 foot on either side of home plate and 1 foot high. A pitch crossing this area that isn't kicked is a strike. After 3 strikes, the kicker is out. Fouls on the 3rd strike are also outs in many high school variants to prevent stalling.
The ball must be rolled underhand. It cannot bounce higher than one foot off the ground as it crosses the plate. Pitchers must maintain contact with the pitching strip until the ball is released. A total of 4 "Balls" (pitches outside the strike zone) result in a walk.
A play is ruled "Dead" when the ball is returned to the pitcher within the pitcher's mound area and all baserunning action has ceased. Once the play is dead, runners cannot advance further and must remain on their bag.
Force Out
Occurs when a runner is REQUIRED to move to the next base because the space behind them is occupied. The fielder only needs to touch the base with the ball.
Tag Out
Required when a runner is NOT forced to move. Fielder must touch the runner with the ball while they are off base. No headshots allowed.
A standard competitive match consists of 5-7 innings. A point (run) is scored when a player rounds all three bases and touches home plate safely. Each team receives 3 outs per half-inning before switching from offense to defense. If a match is tied after regulation, "Extra Innings" begin under sudden-death rules.
Home Team: Bottom (2nd half)
Away Team: Top (1st half)
03
Outs per half-inning
01
Point per full circuit
Infield Fly Rule
If a pop-up is kicked in the infield with runners on 1st/2nd and less than 2 outs, the kicker is automatically out. This prevents fielders from intentionally dropping the ball to get cheap double plays.
Mercy Rule
Matches often end if one team leads by 15+ runs after 4 innings. This maintains the flow of the tournament and emphasizes sportsmanship over blowout scores.
A defensive sequence resulting in two offensive players being called out in a single continuous defensive sequence. Typically involves a force out at 2nd followed by a throw to 1st.
A home run hit when there are runners on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd base, resulting in four total points scored for the offensive team in a single action.
The requirement for a runner to wait on their current base until a fly ball is physically caught before attempting to advance to the next base.
A ball kicked outside the fair territory of the first and third base lines. Kicked on a 3rd strike, it counts as an out in high school play.
Recording an out by touching a base a runner is mandated to reach because the base behind them is occupied by another runner.
Touching a runner with the ball while they are not safely on a base. Contact must be firm but safe, and always below the shoulder line.
"Full Count" 2 strikes and 3 balls on the kicker. The next pitch is decisive.
"Wheelhouse" A pitch location that a kicker finds perfect for their specific style.
"Frozen Rope" A hard-hit, low-trajectory kick that travels in a straight line.
Successful high school teams prioritize Placement Kicking. Aim for the "gaps" in the outfield where fielders aren't positioned. Low grounders are harder to field than deep fly balls because they require the defense to charge the ball and make a perfect throw while moving.
Strategic Bunts: If the infield is playing deep, a light tap toward 3rd base can result in a safe single before the fielder can reach the ball and throw accurately to 1st.
Communication from the sidelines is vital. Base coaches should shout "STAY" or "GO" based on the fielder's arm strength and the ball's trajectory. Forcing the defense to make long throws often results in overthrows.
Always be ready to take the extra base on a bobbled ball. Defensive momentum shifts quickly when fielders start rushing their throws to compensate for bobbles.
ARCH CONTROL
Kicking with the inside of the foot (the arch) provides a larger contact surface, allowing for precise directional control. Kicking with the laces provides maximum power but increases the risk of pop-ups.
Adjust your depth based on the kicker. Outfielders should shift back for power kickers, while the infield "creeps in" for tactical bunters. Call for shifts before every single pitch.
Verbal cues are mandatory. Claim fly balls with a loud "I got it!" to avoid collisions. Shouting "HOME!" or "TWO!" directs the throw to the lead runner for maximum impact.
Target Relay Drill
Outfielders practice hitting "cut-off" teammates rather than throwing blindly to home plate. Focus on catching, pivoting, and releasing the ball in one fluid motion to shave seconds off the play.
Pivot DP Sequence
Infielders practice fielding grounders and pivoting to the lead base for a force out. Emphasize crisp footwork and accurate, chest-high throws that allow the baseman to turn the play.
Identify the core terms from the guide
Complete the matrix by identifying the correct term for each clue. Every box must contain exactly one letter. Refer to the Glossary for technical spellings.
Roles & Actions
1. Player who rolls the ball (7):
2. Offensive player at the plate (6):
3. Moving between bases quickly (7):
4. The kicking action itself (4):
Field & Gear
5. Geometric shape of field (7):
6. First base destination reached (5):
7. The red rubber object (4):
8. Full unit of play (6):
Score & Territory
9. A single point earned (3):
10. Goal to earn team points (5):
11. Standard outs per inning (5):
12. Ball outside fair lines (4):
Defense & Comm
13. Touching runner with ball (3):
14. Grabbing ball in air for out (5):
15. Out made by base touch (5):
16. Strategic team coordination (7):
