Baseball Infield Training in Visalia, CA | IDA

BASEBALL INFIELD TRAINING IN VISALIA, CALIFORNIA

Infield Is What We Do

At IDA, all we work on is the infield.

We work on how to move, use your feet, handle different hops, throw from different positions, and just learn how to make plays.

I want the kids to understand what they're doing and why they're doing it. Sometimes we'll slow things down and clean something up, and other times I'll just let them play, compete, and figure it out.

The biggest thing for me is that what we do carries over to the game. I don't care how good a kid looks doing a drill if it doesn't help them when the ball is hit to them.

The goal is pretty simple. Learn how to play the position and find a way to get outs.

INFIELD TRAINING IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY

A Place For Infielders

When I started IDA, I just wanted to create a place where kids could come in and really work on playing the infield.

That's what we do here. We don't do hitting or pitching. We work on the infield and all the little things that come with learning how to play the position.

One of the coolest things for me has been seeing how far some families are willing to drive every week to train. We've had kids come from Bakersfield, Shafter, Porterville, Exeter, Woodlake, Tulare, Corcoran, Delano, Lemoore, Hanford, Kingsburg, Fowler, Fresno, Clovis, and all over the Valley.

I really do appreciate that. I know families are busy, and I know driving an hour or more for your kid to train is a commitment. I don't take it lightly when a parent trusts me with their athlete's development.

IDA has grown a lot over the years, but what I want it to be hasn't really changed.

A place where infielders can come in, work, learn the position, and keep getting better.

THE IDA DIFFERENCE

Why IDA?

This Is What I Do

I've spent over 15 years coaching infielders, and it's the part of the game I really enjoy teaching. I currently coach the infielders at Fresno Pacific, and I'm always learning, asking questions, and trying to get better at what I do.

I've Been Around the Game

I've been fortunate to coach a lot of really good players over the years, including more than 75 who have gone on to play at the college or professional level. I've also been part of some really good teams and learned a lot from the coaches and players I've been around.

We Only Work on the Infield

That's really what makes IDA different. We don't do hitting or pitching. When you come here, we're working on playing the infield. Moving better, using your feet, glove work, throwing, different hops, different angles, making decisions, and learning how to make plays.

It's a Good Group of Kids

We have kids from different schools, teams, and towns training together every week. Some of them compete against each other on the weekends, but when they're here, they work together. They compete, push each other, joke around, and learn from each other.

That's the environment I've always wanted IDA to have.

OUR METHODOLOGY

How We Train At IDA

For me, it starts with teaching the kids what we're doing and helping them understand why we're doing it.

There are times when we need to slow things down, work on one little detail, and get some reps in. Then there are times when I want to speed it up, change the hop, change the angle, or put them in a situation where they have to make a decision and figure it out.

I'm also okay with mistakes. I don't want everything in here to look perfect. If a kid makes a mistake, we can talk about what happened, make an adjustment, and go again. That's part of learning how to play.

We'll work on the fundamentals. We'll work on moving better. We'll compete. And sometimes I'm just going to get out of the way and let them play.

The older and more comfortable they get, the more I want them thinking for themselves instead of looking at me for an answer after every rep.

That's a big part of what I want kids to learn at IDA.

I don't want them to just get good at drills. I want them to learn how to play the infield.

Players At The Next Level

Proud To Be A Part Of It

I've been really fortunate over the years to coach a lot of good kids and good players. More than 75 of them have gone on to play at the college or professional level.

That's something I'm proud of, but those kids earned it. They put in the work, their families made a lot of sacrifices, and they had a lot of coaches help them along the way. I was just fortunate enough to be one of those coaches.

I've also been lucky to be part of some really good teams over the years, including two Valley Championship teams and three league championship teams.

For me, it's never been about taking credit for where a kid ends up. I just want to help them get a little better while I have them.

Some kids want to make their high school team. Some want to play in college. Some are still young and just trying to figure the game out.

Wherever they're at, my job is the same.

Help them learn, help them develop, and help prepare them for whatever comes next.

WHAT COACHES & ATHLETES SAY

Proven Results Across the Central Valley

From youth athletes to college players to professional coacheshere's what the baseball and softball community says about training at IDA.

"IDA provided me with many of the infield fundamentals that are important to my game. Coach Karlan is one of those coaches that you always want to be around. He is constantly looking for ways to help you elevate your game, both physically and mentally. No matter how far I had to travel after other practices, homework, or long days, he always greeted my brother and me with a smile and made the pursuit of getting 1% better that much more enjoyable."

Cole Fellows

Clovis North HS, Columbia University

"What Karlan has built with Infield Development Academy is truly special, making it a premier facility for defensive development and growth. His knowledge and experience, matched with the state-of-the-art facility, are groundbreaking in the world of baseball training. Defense wins championships, and Infield Development Academy offers a championship atmosphere where players can improve and gain an edge defensively. 10/10 I would send my son, daughter, or any of my players to Infield Development Academy."

Nate Keavy

Minor League Bench Coach for San Francisco Giants

"Karlan is one of the best infield instructors in the game today. He has a strong background as a professional scout, collegiate coach and player. In addition to his knowledge and expertise in fielding, he understand how to connect with his players on a personal level few can do. You won't find a better place for your athlete to develop."

Lucas Kephart

Former Scout And Hitters Lab CEO

"As a high school head baseball coach over the last 26 years, I have worked with many outstanding coaches, and I can say with confidence that Karlan Andrews is truly one of the best infield instructors I have ever been around. Karlan played a significant role in developing numerous infielders who went on to compete at the college and professional levels. On a personal level, my 14-year-old son has trained at IDA for several years. As both a head coach and a father, I trust Karlan completely with my son's development."

Dan Hydash

Head Coach Redwood High School

"Coach Karlan and IDA are top of the line. From young kids up to college and pro guys, Karlan has the knowledge and skillset to develop any kid into the best version of themselves. Rare these days to find a coach with more passion and experience than Karlan. HIGHLY recommend IDA more to any athlete wanting to put in the work and grow."

Carey Crain

Owner of The Farm Baseball Academy Owner of The Advantage Athletic Recruiting

"Since IDA first opened, the Visalia Wolf Pack has trained with Coach Andrews and seen tremendous growth across all age groups. His passion for the game and commitment to developing both skilled players and strong young men and women truly sets IDA apart."

Chase McElree

Founder of Visalia Wolf Pack Baseball

"Coach Karlan has a genuine passion for the game of baseball. It pours out of him through his intense focus to the details and the fundamentals that make great players. His goal is to make your student athlete better by teaching them the value of hard work and grit. Being great at something requires an obsession to that task and that's exactly what you get when you walk through the gates of IDA."

Coach Brady Johnston

Visalia Wolfpack and Exeter High School Coach

"I have worked with Karlan for over a decade. The energy he pours into his craft is unmatched. The game of baseball is always evolving and Karlan stays in touch with all of the latest information and equipment. His sessions are structured, detailed, and provide an opportunity for players to get a large quantity of game-like repetitions. I highly recommend him to any age ball player. The central valley is lucky to have him."

Matt Fox

Washington Union Head Coach

"I started going to IDA the year it opened, and had the pleasure of watching it grow from a few small groups of boys and one girl to teams upon teams both baseball and softball fighting for a weekly slot to work with Karlan. I had never really been a fan of playing defense but after starting IDA and learning and getting better it became my favorite part of the day and IDA became my favorite part of the week. I took drills Karlan taught me and used them with girls on my college teams and they still use them today. Karlan is an amazing coach that taught me so many things and what he taught me played a big role in my collegiate success."

Sydnee Weber

University of Providence

"Training at IDA was an incredible experience for me. Not only did it greatly improve my skills and mechanics on the field, but it also helped me build confidence in myself as a player. Karlan created an environment where I could learn, grow, and trust both my abilities and my teammates. Along the way, I also build strong friendships that made the experience even more meaningful. I'm truly grateful for everything I've learned here and would recommend this place to any player looking to grow on and off the field."

Taylor Hastin

College Of The Seqouias

WANT TO GET STARTED?

Reach Out

If you think IDA might be a good fit for your athlete, send me a short video of them fielding along with their age and a little bit about where they're currently playing.

I'll take a look, get back to you, and let you know what I think and what I currently have available.

If you have any questions about IDA or how we train, just reach out. I'm always happy to answer them.