Trosky Infield Camp Review

Nate Trosky runs infield camps across the country. Nate is on staff with the Brewers, oversees travel teams, runs a recruiting service and teaches the camps himself. They’re generally four-hour sessions where he packs in non-stop information about footwork, glove work, throwing and metal skills. It’s almost too much to absorb during a short window of time, but worth the investment. I wish all players, at an early age, had the opportunity to receive the foundational coaching he provides.

In contrast to much of the teaching about fielding a ball with a players bottom to the ground, Nate wants bottom-up back flat approach to receiving it. Hands should be able to easily touch the ground. The ball should be received with hands a 1 o’clock and 7 o’clock and snapped to the sternum of the body quickly.

Going into the throw a 30-degree posture should be maintained to throw at a 3 o’clock arm slot rather than standing up and throwing at over the top. This is to continue to maintain an athletic position not unlike a hitter in his stance and scap loading his back arm.

Players should follow their throws with their back hip and continue on their throwing line a few stops to maintain the momentum. It all seems basic when you watch how clean an MLB player is, but the fundamentals are rarely broken down step-by-step to this level.

Beyond the basic throwing and fielding mechanics, Trosky teaches when to use different arm slots to throw, about fielding on the move, how to pick a hop and many mental principles such as what to do after making an error. He uses an explain, demonstrate, do approach, so there’s plenty of activity for players, though very little with a ball.

Overall, the camp is highly recommended. If there’s one within a driving distance, it’s worth the time investment for ages 10 through high school at all skill levels. Note it started 15 minutes early and ran 45 minutes late because of having so much content to work through.

One more thing…one of the tools Trosky uses at the camp is a ball rebounder to create randomness in hops for indoor practice. This is a two person drill where a partner to throws the ball down on the netting for the fielder. It’s basically a faster, more random version of wall ball for players who don’t have a solid surface to throw off of. You can pick one up at Amazon to work on footwork and receiving in your garage or driveway.