Things You'll Need:
- Glove
- Baseball
- Baseball cleats
- Cap
-
Step 1
Move toward groundballs. Approach grounders under control so can adjust to anything the ball may do. Make every effort to catch a ball in front of your body, which will allow you to react to unexpected bounces. Keep your glove open and nearly horizontal to the ground.
-
Step 2
Play as deep as possible at first base but not so deep that you cannot make it to the base in a timely manner. Make your way to first base as rapidly as possible on balls hit to other infielders and face in their direction. Concentrate on not stretching toward the throw too soon to avoid putting yourself in an awkward position that you cannot recover from if the throw is off target.
-
Step 3
Work on your delivering the ball to the shortstop on double plays if you play second base. On balls hit to your right, underhand the throw to the shortstop covering second. Field double play balls hit directly at you with your right foot just a bit behind your left, allowing you to pivot and throw to the shortstop. Try to get the lead runner on a double play.
-
Step 4
Avoid playing so deep at shortstop that you lack the time to make a routine play. When preparing to receive a toss from the second baseman on a double play, time it so that as you move toward second, you can shift directions if necessary. Accomplish this by running hard to the base and taking smaller steps as you near the base so the ball reaches your glove as you arrive at the base.
-
Step 5
Position yourself low to the ground when playing third base, where quick reactions are needed. Keep your glove down and be prepared for hard hit balls right at you. Realize that it is much less difficult to bring your glove from the ground up than it is to bring it down to field a ball.
-
Step 6
Practice, practice, practice. No matter what infield position you play, putting in the extra work will play off. If you play in the field, take as many grounders as a coach or friend will hit you. If you are a catcher, learn the game inside and out, and work on making strong throws to second base to nab would-be basestealers.
