How to Play Shortstop
Shortstop is probably the most important defensive position on the baseball field with the possible exception of catcher. A shortstop needs a great arm, a good brain, speed and quickness in order to field his or her position. And while the idea of the "good-glove, no-hit" shortstop is not as true as it once was, most teams will sacrifice run production at the shortstop position to put a good fielder there. Read on to learn how to play shortstop.
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Instructions
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Take your position. The shortstop normally lines up on the edge of the infield halfway between second and third base.
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Assume the proper defensive stance: legs bent at the knees, butt down, head up and eyes facing the batter.
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Know who is where. A shortstop controls the infield and often tells players where to line up based on the situation.
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Make the plays. A shortstop is only as good as his or her range. It's easy to catch a ball hit straight at you, but a shortstop needs to cover a lot of ground between second and third. Work on your speed and timing. It takes only a few seconds for a ball to get to you from home plate.
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Work on the double play. A shortstop's forte is the double-play ball. Whether covering second themselves and then throwing to first or tossing to the second baseman, who then throws to first, a shortstop needs to be fast and efficient.
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Tips & Warnings
Jumping rope is a good way to build dexterity for this position.
Work out signals with the other infielders. This will help you in the heat of the game by knowing who is doing what.
Practice is key. Get someone to hit balls at you to work on your fielding.
The shortstop covers second base during a steal if a left-handed hitter is at the plate.
