What should tee-ball players learn about defense?

The basics, one at a time: the ready position before every hit, getting in front of the ball with the glove down, throwing it in (to first, or to the pitcher's circle), calling pop-ups, and that every player has a job on every ball.

Where does the tee-ball pitcher stand?

Near the pitcher's circle, often with a helmet on, and they stay there until the ball is hit. Many leagues have a coach nearby to take throws, and play stops once the ball is thrown in to the pitcher.

How many players are on defense in tee-ball?

Often more than nine. Extra players usually play in the outfield, and many leagues rotate every player through different positions so everyone gets time in the infield.

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Tee-Ball Defense: Teaching Where to Go, for Coaches and Parents

How to teach defense in tee-ball: the ready position, getting in front of the ball, throwing it to first, calling pop-ups, and the idea that every player has a job on every ball.

5 min read · September 25, 2026

Tee-ball defense can look like chaos: six kids chasing the same ground ball, the right fielder picking dandelions, a throw to first that goes to third. That's normal. The job at this age isn't to win the play. It's to build habits that will make the play easy later.

Little League's own tee-ball curriculum keeps it to a few ideas, taught the same way every week. Here they are, in order.

1. Ready position

Before every hit: feet apart, knees bent, glove out in front, eyes on the batter. Say it every time a batter steps up, and have the kids say it back.

2. Get in front of it: "alligator"

On a ground ball, move your feet to get in front of the ball. Glove down on the ground and out in front, and the other hand on top, like an alligator's mouth. Chomp!

Watch this play
A ground ball to third. Glove down, throw to first.

3. Throw it in

Once they have the ball, the next habit is throwing it somewhere useful: to first base with nobody on, or to the pitcher in the circle. Look at the target, step toward it, throw. Meanwhile the first baseman's job is to run to the bag and wait for it.

Watch this play
A ground ball to short. The shortstop fields it and throws to first, and the first baseman gets to the bag.

4. Call it

On a pop-up, the player who can catch it yells "I got it! I got it!" before catching it, and everyone else gets out of the way. It prevents collisions, and it's the start of talking on defense.

Watch this play
A pop-up between third and short. The shortstop calls it, "I got it!", and catches it with two hands.

5. Everybody has a job

This is the big one, and it takes all season: when the ball isn't coming to you, you still have a job. Run to your base, or back somebody up. The kid in right field can learn to run in behind first base on every ground ball, and that habit will matter for years.

Tips for the tee-ball coach

One idea at a time. Keep drills short, and repeat the same words every week.
Rotate positions. Every player should get time in the infield and the outfield.
Praise far more than you correct. Catch them doing it right.
Show it. Kids who can't read a diagram can watch a play move. Simple Fielding's fielding lessons start at tee-ball.

Quick answers

What should tee-ball players learn about defense?: The basics, one at a time: the ready position before every hit, getting in front of the ball with the glove down, throwing it in (to first, or to the pitcher's circle), calling pop-ups, and that every player has a job on every ball.
Where does the tee-ball pitcher stand?: Near the pitcher's circle, often with a helmet on, and they stay there until the ball is hit. Many leagues have a coach nearby to take throws, and play stops once the ball is thrown in to the pitcher.
How many players are on defense in tee-ball?: Often more than nine. Extra players usually play in the outfield, and many leagues rotate every player through different positions so everyone gets time in the infield.