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.
Join me for my next blog for on how to be a good team leader and etiquette in the dug out. Please subscribe to my blog by pressing the “Join This Site” button in the upper right-hand corner of this page. Thank you!
Special thanks to my baseball friends, who always make playing baseball such a passion for me.
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