The Basics of Baseball
by Jake Nordstrom
Outfield Instructions
·
When a fly ball is hit, you need to take a drop
step (step back with whatever foot side the ball is on) and then start to run in if you need to.
·
Do NOT backpedal. When you backpedal, you are
just trotting backwards to the ball, barely covering any ground. You need to
take a drop step, and run to the
ball.
·
If there are runners on 2nd or 3rd,
once you get in position to catch the ball, take one or two steps backwards.
Then when the ball is about 15 feet from you, take your crow hop (a leap of
momentum) towards the base you are going to throw to. This will create momentum
for your throw, making it easier on your arm. This will also give you a good chance
of throwing the runner out if he tries to advance.
·
If the ball is hit to another outfielder, you
need to run over behind him in case the ball happens to get by him. Now, instead
of an easy out turning into a double or triple, it will possibly only be a single.
·
If there is a pop fly (NOT A LINE DRIVE) and you
won't be able to get to it on foot, don’t be afraid to dive for it. The worst
thing that could happen now is that you miss it and it hits the ground. Nothing
more. trust me, your coach would rather see you dive for it and give the play 100%, then to miss it with half effort.
·
If a line drive is hit to you, you do NOT want
to dive for it. If you miss the ball, a base hit will now be turned into a
double or triple. You just need to get in front of the ball and knock it down,
making sure it doesn’t go past you or through your legs.
·
If a ground ball is hit and gets past the
infield, you might need to dive to cut the ball off. Once again, the worst
thing that could happen is it gets by you and your backup will get the ball and
throw it in.
Outfield Play Examples
Outfield Conclusion
Most kids complain that they play the outfield too much.
What they don’t notice is that the outfield is actually a really important
position. If an outfielder doesn’t know what he is doing and the ball is hit to
him, then trouble could be coming your way.
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Special thanks to my baseball friends, who always make playing baseball such a passion for me.
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