Softball Infield Training in Visalia, CA | IDA

SOFTBALL INFIELD TRAINING IN VISALIA, CALIFORNIA

Infield Is What We Do

At IDA, we work with softball infielders of different ages and ability levels who want to get better at playing the position.

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

Sometimes we need to slow things down and clean up a small detail. Other times we'll speed it up, add decisions, compete, and let the girls figure things out.

For me, the biggest thing is making sure what we're working on actually carries over to the game. I don't want players who are just good at doing drills.

I want them to understand how to play the infield, trust what they've worked on, and find a way to get outs.

SOFTBALL INFIELD TRAINING AT IDA

A Place For Softball Infielders

Softball has become a big part of IDA over the years. We have girls from different ages, schools, teams, and towns who come in every week to work on their infield play. The game moves fast, especially on the infield. There isn’t always a lot of time to think, so I want the girls to get comfortable moving, making decisions, and trusting themselves when the ball is hit to them. We’ll work on the little things when we need to, but I also want them getting reps, competing, making mistakes, and figuring things out. Every girl is going to be at a different point in her development. Some are still learning the position and others are getting ready to play at the next level. Wherever they’re at, we start there and keep building.

WHAT YOU'LL ACCESS

Softball-Specific Infield Development

The same proven system that's produced 75+ college and pro players built for softball athletes at every level.

OUR METHODOLOGY

How We Train

I try to keep things pretty simple with the girls. Teach them what we're working on, explain why it matters, and then give them a chance to work through it.

There are times when we need to slow something down and clean up their feet, glove work, throwing, or how they're moving. Then there are times when I want to speed everything up and make them react, make a decision, and go make a play.

I don't expect everything to look perfect. They're going to boot balls, make bad throws, take the wrong angle, or make the wrong decision sometimes. That's okay. We talk about it, make an adjustment, and go again.

The more comfortable they get, the less I want them looking over at me after every rep. I want them learning to trust themselves and figure things out.

Sometimes I need to coach them. Sometimes they just need reps.

And sometimes I need to get out of the way and let them play.

FROM IDA TO COLLEGE SOFTBALL

Sydnee Weber

Sydnee Weber

Sydnee was actually one of the first girls to train with me when I opened IDA.

I got to watch her grow up, get better, and really start to enjoy the defensive side of the game. She put a lot of time into her infield work, and eventually defense became one of her favorite parts of playing.

She went on to play college softball at the University of Providence, and one of the things I thought was really cool was hearing that she was taking some of the drills we did at IDA and doing them with her college teammates.

That means a lot to me as a coach. Not because I take credit for where Sydnee ended up--she earned that--but because something she learned here stuck with her and continued to help her after she left.

I'm proud of Sydnee and everything she accomplished, and I'm glad I got to be a small part of it.

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

INTERESTED IN TRAINING?

Send Me A Video

If you're interested in getting your daughter into IDA, just send me a short video of her fielding along with her age and a little bit about where she's currently playing.

The video doesn't need to be anything special. I just want to see where she's at and make sure she's ready for the type of infield work we do.

Once I watch it, I'll reach back out, let you know what I think, and go over what groups I currently have available.

That's really all there is to it.