A ground ball that takes a bad hop does not care how old the fielder is. That is why Baseball Fielding Training in North Aurora, IL with Coach Cinz starts with the feet, not the glove. North Aurora sits in Kane County, about 12 miles northwest of our Naperville facility, so the drive is about 20 minutes and regular in-person work fits around school and practice. The full method is on our fielding and infield training page.
Coach Cinz (Kyle) has more than 25 years in baseball as a player or coach. For the five years before the pandemic he was a hitting, fielding and pitching instructor with the Chicago White Sox organization, working mainly with pre-draft players. His defensive coaching centers on movement, mechanics and timing, because a fielder who reads the ball late rarely makes the play look easy.
What does fielding training cover for North Aurora players?
Most sessions are built around the 6 F’s of a great infielder:
- Feet: an athletic ready position before the pitch.
- Field: the glove out front, eyes on the ball.
- Funnel: bringing the ball into the body under control.
- Footwork: gaining ground toward the target.
- Fire: a strong, accurate throw.
- Follow: finishing the throw and moving with the play.
After the drills come live balls off the bat and situational plays, so players learn where the ball should go, not just how to catch it. Coach Cinz also works on the mental side: staying confident after an error and expecting the next ball.
For younger North Aurora players, the early focus is usually a solid ready position and soft hands. Older infielders spend more time on footwork around the bag, the transfer from glove to hand, and reading the hop early. Either way, each session ends with a clear drill or two to practise at home.
Baseball Fielding Training in North Aurora, IL: how to get started
Families have two in-person choices. The first is The Play & Thrive Club Naperville, 808 Rte 59 #120, where lessons and clinics run in the off-season and on rainy days. The second is a private lesson at a location of your choice within the Chicagoland area, which can suit North Aurora families during the outdoor season.
- Fill in the free online goals form.
- Coach Cinz replies within 48 hours with times to measure current metrics.
- You get a plan built around the athlete’s goals, then pick lessons or a clinic.
A Private Lesson is $65 for 30 minutes, 1-on-1. The Fielding Clinic is $204 for 1.5 hours, with a group option at 3× the price. Members save $20 per lesson, with no limit.
Nearby towns and next steps
Families in nearby Batavia and Aurora follow the same process, so a shared trip to a clinic can be easy to arrange. Parents in Google reviews (4.9 stars from 66 reviews) mention better mechanics, more confidence and a coach who explains the “why” behind each adjustment.
Want the deeper breakdown first? Read our guide to infield and fielding drills with Coach Cinz. When you are ready, start the free Benchmark. Every athlete who books training also gets a Play 2 Earn Sports player profile to track stats, goals and progress.
North Aurora families ask
How long is the drive from North Aurora to the Naperville facility?
It is about 12 miles, or about 20 minutes by car, to The Play & Thrive Club Naperville on Route 59. That short trip makes weekly 30-minute private lessons realistic. Families can also book a private lesson at another location of their choice within the Chicagoland area if that is easier.
What should a North Aurora infielder do before joining a Fielding Clinic?
Start with the free Benchmark. The athlete answers a short goals form online, then Coach Cinz replies within 48 hours with times to measure current metrics. That way the 1.5-hour Fielding Clinic, which covers the 6 F's, live action off the bat and situational plays, fits into a clear plan.
