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Choose Your Training Day
The full 60-day progression is organized for you. Select the day in the course—or use the printable plan if you like to check off sessions and add notes as you go.
Online infield training with former MLB infielder and current MLB coach Doug Bernier
Help your infielder stop rushing the routine plays — and start playing smooth, controlled defense.
Confident Infielder gives youth and high-school infielders Doug Bernier's step-by-step system for cleaner footwork, better rhythm, and more reliable throws — so they stay under control when the game speeds up.
If your player is putting in the work but still looks rushed or unsure when the ball finds them, they probably don't need another pile of drills. They need a clearer progression that turns effort into habits they can trust.
Special launch pricing ends Monday night at midnight Pacific time.
Taught by Doug BernierFormer MLB infielder and current MLB coach.
16 seasons of experienceBuilt from professional infield work.
Short focused sessionsPlayers can follow the training from anywhere.
Lifetime accessPlayers can revisit the training as they grow.
Watch Doug walk through exactly how the training works
This isn't just a highlight reel or a surface-level program overview. In 14 minutes, Doug explains why extra reps weren't fixing his own defense, what changed when he learned to train differently, and how that experience shaped the progression and training methods inside Confident Infielder.
If you want to understand why this works before you commit — this is the fastest way to get there.
Training overview video. No autoplay.
If your player works hard but still looks unsure in games, effort probably isn't the problem.
Many infielders care deeply. They show up to practice, take extra ground balls, watch videos, listen to coaches, and try to do the right things.
Then the game speeds up.
One routine ground ball turns into rushed feet. A bad hop climbs the arm. A throw sails high. A player who looked fine in warmups starts aiming instead of trusting. One mistake follows them into the next play.
For parents, that's the maddening part — you can see how much they want it. Some of these kids are outworking everyone else on the team, and it still isn't showing up when it counts.
More work doesn't automatically create better defense. Disconnected cues and random reps don't fix it. The same problems keep showing up right when it matters most.
Doug knows what it feels like to work hard and still feel stuck.
In high school, Doug wanted to play college baseball and beyond. He was on a strong team, got positive exposure, and was doing the work. College coaches still told him he was just a high-school player with a lot of improving to do.
So he did what serious players do — took more ground balls. Sometimes 50 to 100 a day. It went nowhere. He was working hard, applying the same common fielding cues everyone hears, and still not seeing the improvement he needed.
That changed when he met former Major League infielder Brad Wellman.
"Wellman showed me how tempo, angles, balance, and footwork all worked together—and it changed the way I trained from that day forward."
— Doug BernierWellman taught him to see the game differently — pieces nobody had ever laid out for him before. Instead of being controlled by the baseball — basically colliding with it — Doug started learning how to be in control of it.
After one week, his coach said he looked like a completely different player on defense.
That didn't make him a finished product overnight. But it gave him the foundation he'd been missing — he finally knew what he was trying to accomplish, and why. Every step had a purpose.
That week became a career: a full Division I scholarship after junior college, sixteen professional seasons, every infield position played at the Major League level. But Confident Infielder doesn't exist because of the resume. It exists because Doug knows there are young players putting in real effort right now, hearing the same incomplete cues he did, wondering why the results still don't match the work.
The goal isn't more random drills. It's better feel, timing, and adjustability.
Players hear "charge the ball," "get in front," "soft hands," "create angles" constantly. Those cues aren't useless — the problem is nobody shows most players how to turn them into repeatable movement when every ground ball is different.
One hop is routine. The next one eats them up. One play gives them time. The next forces a quick transition. One throw comes from balance. The next has to come from a different arm slot, angle, or rhythm entirely.
That's why Confident Infielder is built around progression and externally focused drills — training that helps players feel the movement and timing instead of running through a checklist of internal body-part instructions.
Doug puts it simply: we catch the ball with our feet. We don't want collision infielders. We want players who can dance with the ball, stay athletic, and adjust instead of rushing into the same mistake over and over.
And once the ball's caught, the job's only half done — the transition and throw are where a lot of the game actually gets decided.
The goal isn't perfect mechanics. It's mechanics that hold up when the play isn't perfect.
Every ground ball is a little different. Different speed. Different hop. Different angle. Different amount of time. Different position your body has to get into.
That's why Confident Infielder is built around four stages: master the skills, build adjustability, develop instincts, and play at your highest level.
Doug uses externally focused drills throughout that progression, so players learn what the play should feel like and accomplish instead of trying to think through every body-part instruction while the ball is coming at them.
Players first learn the mechanics. Then they learn to adjust those mechanics — to create time, use their body efficiently, stay athletic, and handle the ball they actually get instead of the one they practiced.
And it doesn't end at the catch. Everything before and during the catch — the angle taken, the timing, the footwork, the body position — sets up what happens next: a throw that's both accurate and strong. A player who fields the ball well but is out of position to throw hasn't actually finished the play.
With enough focused repetitions and increasing intensity, all of it becomes automatic. The player stops thinking through footwork, angle, and timing as separate steps and starts reading the play and reacting to it as one motion.
That's where instincts come from. That's where quickness comes from. And that's how a player goes from fielding the ball to actually completing the play — and eventually, playing at their highest level.
Here's what that confidence can earn you:
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More playing time
Confidence tends to earn it.
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Better teams
Reliable defense can open doors.
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More opportunity
The door opens wider.
A real 60-day progression, not a loose collection of tips.
Confident Infielder is organized so players always know what to work on next and why. Each section builds on the last.
Section 1, Days 1–3: Ready Position
How elite infielders control the controllables before the ball is hit. The ready position and first step create time, improve angles, and make routine plays feel slower.
Section 2, Days 4–7: Routine Fielding Position
Small changes in posture, timing, and setup that keep a player adjustable instead of locked up and panicking.
Section 3, Days 8–15: Approach to the Baseball
The final steps into the fielding position, where many infielders lose the play before the ball even reaches the glove. Doug teaches players to adjust to each ground ball instead of attacking every one the same way.
Section 4, Days 16–22: Fielding Footwork
How to create rhythm and use footwork athletically instead of fighting the ball with stiff mechanics. As Doug puts it — you catch the ball with your feet.
Section 5, Days 23–28: Transition From Catch to Throw
One of the most under-taught parts of infield defense, and where a lot of errors actually happen. Doug helps players cut wasted movement so they can work quickly without rushing.
Section 6, Days 29–35: Throwing
Because catching the ball is only half the play. Players learn how throwing changes across arm slots, distances, balance points, and play speeds.
Section 7, Days 36–43: Backhands
Building confidence with a play many infielders avoid entirely — once it's comfortable, a player's whole playable range expands.
Section 8, Days 44–47: Forehands and One-Hand Plays
Proper angles, catching outside the shoulders, and getting lined up to throw, closing the gap so forehand feels as natural as backhand and routine fielding.
Section 9, Days 48–60: Troubleshooting
The common fielding issues Doug has seen for years, and how to fix them — a working reference players can come back to anytime something feels off.
By day 15, a player has already gone through more structured defensive training than most infielders get in a full season of team practice.
How It Works
A clear plan for every training day
Open the day, learn the skill, and follow the drills in order. Each session takes about 20–30 minutes, so your player can spend less time wondering what to work on and more time building better habits.
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Learn the Day’s Skill
Start with a brief teaching video from Doug explaining the day’s focus, why it matters, and how it fits into the larger progression.
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Watch, Then Do the Drills
Every drill includes its own short video—usually 1–3 minutes—showing exactly how to do it, what it is designed to improve, and any useful variations or coaching tips. Then complete the drills in order.
Build skills that hold up in games
The progression builds sound movements through purposeful repetition—until better footwork, glove work, and decisions begin to feel instinctive.
Doug's defensive work is trusted by people who know the game.
The person teaching this is the person a Major League organization trusts to teach it.
Instructor credentials
Doug Bernier teaches defense for a living.
Doug Bernier is the First Base Coach for the Colorado Rockies and is listed by MLB as the club's First Base/Outfield Coach.
Before joining the Major League staff in 2026, he spent four seasons in Rockies player development: first as Defensive Coordinator, leading infield and outfield instruction across the system, then as Minor League Field Coordinator, while keeping the infield coordinator role because infield defense is his specialty.
Before that, he worked as a professional scout and as the Rockies' Major League Data and Game Planning Coordinator. His playing background is the same kind of long, earned path he teaches from: signed as an undrafted free agent, sixteen seasons as a professional infielder, and every infield position played at the Major League level.
Confident Infielder is built from the same defensive progression Doug uses when he teaches professional infielders, adapted for youth and high-school players who need the work organized step by step.
"I'm logged into his [website] so I learn from him. I've been a member since the inception."
Jeff Banister | Former Texas Rangers Manager Source: MLB.com"Doug Bernier is one of the best defensive shortstops in all of baseball today. He has a strong accurate arm, excellent range, and can play all infield positions at the highest level. He has one of the best work ethics that I know about. A great club house attitude, and as a plus, has ability to instruct. He's a gamer!"
Albie Pearson | Former American League Rookie of the Year and All-Star, Former Yankees ScoutPlay
"Doug's seven steps to mastering infield has gave our infielders a huge advantage... We have three guys going to play D1 baseball, and a lot of it's the credit of the skills that Doug has shown us."
Billy Wagner | Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher (Class of 2025), Father & High School CoachPlay
"I'm just going to jump to the infield play, which he's a wizard at. The defensive part of the ball, Doug covers so very, very well."
Clint Hurdle | Former MLB Manager and 2013 NL Manager of the YearPlay
"He's very knowledgeable about all infield positions: second base, third base, shortstop. He can play them all... We talked about the subtle nuances of infield positioning, footwork, and he was a master of them all. If you're in need of any help with your infield practices, Doug's the guy to go to."
Trevor Plouffe | Former MLB Infielder (Minnesota Twins)Play
"When it comes to infield, he's your guy to go to... He's that good, he's that fundamentally sound, and he knows every nuance of what needs to be known about the infield."
Jared Hoying | Former MLB Outfielder (Texas Rangers)Play
"Doug Bernier is the hardest worker I've witnessed in my professional career... If you're someone that's looking to improve their infield skills, Doug is your man. I have no doubt in my mind that Doug will set the foundation for you to help you excel as you grow as an infielder."
James Jones | Texas Rangers Organization, Outfielder/Pitcher
In 2005, Rockies' Walt Weiss hailed Bernier as the best defensive player in the organization.
Walt Weiss | MLB Manager, Atlanta Braves (formerly Rockies Manager & Player)
"He's always played great defense... If you hit it to him, you're out. That's the bottom line. He's really consistent and he has range and he can do some things."
Joe Girardi | Former MLB Manager (Yankees, Phillies), YES Network Broadcast Analyst
"Doug is one of the most knowledgeable & fundamentally sound players I've ever played with."
Brett Nicholas | Former MLB Catcher (Texas Rangers)
"I played with or against Doug Bernier for more than a decade. I've also been fortunate enough to play alongside a few Hall of Famers as well. There's no doubt Doug Bernier is as fundamentally sound as anyone I've ever played with. But more importantly he's one of the best people you will find in the game."
Steve Holm | Head Coach, Illinois State University
"I personally played with Doug and not only is he an excellent ball player, but an incredibly hard worker and genuinely a great guy. His attitude and skill in the game is what makes him so successful both in playing and teaching baseball."
David Robertson | Former MLB Pitcher, 2009 World Series Champion (NY Yankees)Parents and coaches notice when the game starts slowing down.
"Everything up until this program was me colliding with the ball as an infielder. Now I'm able to use the proper footwork, employ a solid, professional attack on the ball, field the ball cleanly and confidently and deliver for the out. Mental confidence!"
James | Adult League Player
"On a scale of one to ten, I would rate my infielders at about a three before starting the course. After two months doing the program, I would conservatively rate them at a seven. The confidence this course has brought them is making their time on the field much more enjoyable, and they are much more focused on improving."
"I played for two Hall of Fame college coaches, and this is by far the best infield instruction I have ever received."
Kevin Thornhill | High School Coach
"I thought I knew infield fundamentals, but your program made everything fall into place. And Doug was so quick to respond and so helpful any time I had a question. Fantastic in all respects!"
Rick Tuyn | Florida, Coach & Grandfather
"I can't believe how much there is to know about infield that I had no idea about. I always want to be there to help my son, but having Doug's knowledge and a plan to follow has been a game changer! My son's fielding has changed by leaps and bounds. Needless to say, his coach is thrilled, and so is Gabe."
Jose Garcia | Boca Raton, FL
"I'm almost in tears writing this. I'm so thankful for Confident Infielder. My son loves infield, so he was devastated last year when his coach put him in the outfield. I didn't know how to help him, until we heard Doug's story. After that, he decided to work on fielding on his own time. We signed him up for Confident Infielder, and he stuck with it to the end. This year, he tried out again and is now starting at 3rd base! Best life lesson ever - Hard work pays off!"
Joselyn Acker | Temecula, CA
"The Confident Infielder is by far the best infield program I've seen! Just 2 weeks ago, Jay was late and jerky on everything, and was lucky to meet the ball at the spot and certainly wasn't beating it to the spot at all. We have worked a pile to clean up his feet and become more efficient with his steps and have spent a pile of time with his glove. Now, the change is noticeable to everyone, and Jay is beyond thrilled!"
Dan B | Coach & Father
"This program has already made such a difference! My son is now making hard hit grounds look easy. In fact one of his coaches tells the team to field the ball like Paysen. He makes it look so smooth."
Father of 12-year-old and 8-year-old players
"For some reason, my son actually listens when Doug says it. It's amazing to see concepts like discipline take root. The personal growth I've seen has meant more to me than the baseball skills (impressive as they are!)."
Mark Sanchez | Gilbert, AZ, Father of 16-year-old"My son does these in the yard or garage. I've definitely seen an improvement in speed and coordination."
Willem Jansen | parent of Noah, 13 years oldParents and coaches are seeing the training show up on the field.
Before you choose an option, here are three results from families and coaches who wanted cleaner defense, more confidence, and a clearer path for their players.
"After two months doing the program, I would conservatively rate them at a seven. The confidence this course has brought them is making their time on the field much more enjoyable, and they are much more focused on improving."
Kevin Thornhill | High School Coach"We signed him up for Confident Infielder, and he stuck with it to the end. This year, he tried out again and is now starting at 3rd base! Best life lesson ever - Hard work pays off!"
Joselyn Acker | Temecula, CA"Just 2 weeks ago, Jay was late and jerky on everything... Now, the change is noticeable to everyone, and Jay is beyond thrilled!"
Dan B | Coach & FatherChoose your training
Start with the foundation, go straight to the advanced work, or get both together and save.
Every option is a one-time payment with lifetime access and the 60-Day Try the Training Guarantee.
Special pricing ends Monday night at midnight Pacific time.
This is a real launch deadline, not a restarting evergreen timer.
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60Day Guarantee
60-Day Try the Training Guarantee
You have 60 calendar days from purchase to try the program with your player. If you decide it isn't right for them, email us within that 60-day window for a full refund.
The program itself is self-paced and includes lifetime access. The 60 days is simply your refund window, not a requirement that your player finish the full training progression before asking for a refund.
This is for players who want a clearer defensive path.
Strong fit:
- Youth and high-school infielders who want to become smoother, more reliable defenders.
- Players who work hard but still feel rushed or inconsistent in games.
- Families already investing in reps, lessons, teams, camps, or equipment who want that work to have more direction.
- Players willing to repeat fundamentals and build steadily.
- Parents who want expert coaching without becoming the infield coach themselves.
Not for:
- Players looking for a magic fix without practice.
- Families looking for a recruiting promise or guaranteed scholarship result.
- Players who can't practice safely with basic baseball equipment and enough space.
FAQ
How much time does my player need?
Most sessions run 20 to 30 minutes, a few times a week. The value is in repeating focused work, not cramming.
Does my player need a full field?
No. Many drills work at home with basic equipment and safe space — a wall, bounce-back net, yard, garage, or driveway all work depending on the drill.
Does my player need a parent to coach every rep?
No. Parents can help with routine and space, but the lessons are built for the player to follow directly.
What if my player already takes lessons or plays on a good team?
That helps. Confident Infielder isn't meant to replace lessons or team practice — it gives the player a defensive progression to use between them so the work connects.
What if my player is new to infield?
The program builds from the foundation. Players don't need prior experience to start.
What if my player is more advanced?
They can use the foundation to clean up habits, then move into CI Advanced for tougher angles, arm slots, and edge-of-range plays.
Does Confident Infielder work for softball too?
Yes. The program is built around infield fundamentals that apply to baseball, but many softball players and coaches have used Doug's training too. If your player needs cleaner footwork, better angles, and more reliable glove work, the same principles apply.
When does access arrive?
After purchase, you'll get instant access by email with login details. Start right away, work at your own pace, and revisit lessons whenever you need to.
None of this is really about the drill. It's about what it feels like when a routine play actually feels routine — when a player isn't bracing for the next mistake, but trusting themselves in the moment.
Do the work in this program, and your player will get better. That part isn't in question — it's what focused, correctly-sequenced repetition does.
What that improvement opens up — more trust from a coach, a bigger role, more innings — depends on a lot of things outside any training program's control. But confident, reliable defense is the part a player can actually control. Everything else tends to follow from players who can be counted on when the ball's hit their way.
Give your player a defensive system they can keep coming back to.
Your player doesn't need more noise in their baseball life. They need to understand what their feet, glove, body, and throws should be doing — so effort finally turns into cleaner defense, better habits, and more confidence when the ball is hit their way.
Choose Your Confident Infielder OptionSecure one-time payment. Instant access.