There are two types of drags to use on infields. Nail drags and mat drags. The nail drag is a very aggressive drag used to loosen the surface and to incorporate conditioners like Turface®. Before using the nail drag, make sure the surface is moist to allow for maximum penetration.

The mat drag's purpose is to smooth out the surface and break up clumps for a finished look. Mat drags can be made from a variety of materials including coconut fiber, steel and carpet, and they may be purchased from your distributor.

With either drag you can drag in any pattern you want, but do not fall into the trap of dragging your field the same way each time. By starting and stopping in the same locations each time you drag your field, high spots and low spots are created, causing inconsistencies in your infield surface. This may cause standing water or create a hazard for your athletes.

The following steps will assure your success when dragging your infield.

1. Remove bases and place plugs into the sleeves.
2. Always stay six inches away from the turf areas to avoid dragging dirt into the turf causing lip build up.
3. Rake down high areas around bases with the back of your rake.
4. Water your infield and let it penetrate the soil. Hold hose high to simulate rain and have someone hold the hose to keep it from dragging on your infield if possible.
5. Nail drag first to loosen the top 1/2 to 1 inch of your infield mix.
6. For a smooth, finished surface, begin mat dragging after the infield soil has dried.
7. Alternate dragging patterns to prevent high and low spots, especially where you stop.
8. Drag slowly to prevent soil from spreading to turf areas and to achieve a manicured appearance.
9. Match drag widths to the base path dimensions so one or two full passes completes the task.
10. Hand dragging the edges prevents lip build up and is necessary on the mound, base paths and plate areas.
11. Drag slowly. If you are slinging soil as you drag, you are going too fast.
12. Pick up and shake the drag before leaving the field to avoid dragging dirt off of the infield and into the turf.
13. For base paths, select a drag that will go down your base paths, or hand rake the base paths to achieve the same results as a drag. See "Maintaining Base Paths" for details.