How to Field an Infield Ground Ball
The middle infield is the heart of a baseball team's defense. To keep ground balls from entering the outfield, follow these fundamental steps for taking away base hits.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Baseball Caps/hats
- Baseball Bats
- Baseball Batting Gloves
- Baseball Cleats
- Baseball Equipment Bags
- Baseball Fielding Gloves
- Baseball First Baseman Mitts
- Baseball Glove Conditioner Creams
- Baseball Helmets
- Baseball Scoresheets
- Baseballs
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1
Position yourself for the hitter and the situation. You may be asked to shift for a left-handed hitter, play closer to home plate to cut off a run, or set yourself up for a possible double play.
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2
Check the sign shown by the catcher and make appropriate adjustments. For example, you can expect certain right-handed batters to hit an outside fastball to right field.
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3
Be prepared as the pitcher begins the windup. Spread your feet slightly, crouch down and put your hands on your knees.
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4
Lean forward slightly as the pitcher is ready to pitch, and extend your glove in front of you with the glove's pocket-side facing up. Keep your glove at or below knee level.
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5
Keep your eye on the ball as the pitch is delivered. Stay close to the ground, which will help you move quickly in any direction. Try to stay in front of sharply hit ground balls.
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6
Charge a slowly hit grounder by running toward the ball.
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7
When scooping up the ball, try to keep your body perpendicular to the path of the ball.
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8
Spread your legs enough to be well-balanced, but not enough to leave a large gap between your hands and legs.
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9
Bend down to reach the ball and use both hands to scoop it up toward the middle of your body. If you are unable to catch the ball, block it or knock it down to the ground.
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10
Put your glove flat on the ground if the ball is a "grass cutter" (one that doesn't bounce at all), and use your throwing hand to keep the ball from rolling up your fielding arm.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When in doubt, follow the directions of your coach or manager.
Shortstops and second basemen are usually right-handed fielders, especially in the big leagues.
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Comments
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cmfields21
May 26, 2009
This is a good article, nice information.
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Aug 08, 2006
If a person wants to be the best fielder, then they need to want the ball to be hit to them in all situations of the game and have the confidence and determination to complete the play.
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Aug 08, 2006
ive been playing baseball for quite a while and i have always found the most important part of fielding is to always stay in front of the ball. Because that way if the ball takes a mad hop it will generally hit you and you still have a good chance to make a play.
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Aug 08, 2006
I am a shortstop for a varsity high school baseball team, and I was always taught to keep my head down on the ball and to charge it with all get-out. My favorite saying is that one has a face to block baseballs with, and if you are too afraid to do that, move to the outfield. When you charge the ball, after you catch it, keep your momentum toward first base,and plant your feet and throw. When turning a double play, make sure your teammate can see the ball, because the distance between you is shorter, and they have a shorter time to react. If you are within 5 feet, you can flip it, but otherwise - never! If you are the one receiving the ball, make sure you catch it with two hands, and never catch the ball on the back of your glove to try to be fancy! There is no reason for this play, and 9 times out of 10, you will drop it anyway. Glide your foot across the bag and step out of the way of the runner and throw to first. If you don't get out of the way, you will probably get spiked (and believe me, it hurts)! Follow these steps and you will be a solid infield player at second, short, or third.
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Aug 08, 2006
ive been playing baseball for quite a while and i have always found the most important part of fielding is to always stay in front of the ball. Because that way if the ball takes a mad hop it will generally hit you and you still have a good chance to make a play.
