Fielding Positions Of Baseball
As a pitcher, you must be able to throw the ball fast and accurately. You are the most important player on the team. Here are some tips on how to pitch. * Grip the ball on the wide seams. * Step toward the batter and push off the mound. * Throw overhead with a downward snap of the wrist. * Follow through with the fingers almost touching the ground. * Keep your eyes on the catcher`s glove at all times. * After the pitch be ready to field the ball. * Warm up about 15 minutes before pitching a game or before an important practice session. * For practice in control, try the "simulated strike zone" idea. Drive two poles into the ground, or use two standards about 8 feet apart. Tie heavy cord to the posts to form a strike zone-a rectangle as wide as home plate and as high as the distance between the batter`s knees and armpits. Use a catcher and a home plate, and practice pitching into this zone.
A catcher should be a good leader and have a strong arm. * Always wear proper equipment while catching. * Take a position directly behind home plate, near enough to touch the batter with your glove. * Crouch down, with feet apart for comport. * Hold your glove facing the pitcher, and keep your bare hand behind the glove. * Don`t turn your head when balls are thrown in the dirt or fouled off. * Always throw overhand. * Encourage your pitcher and team members. * Catch all fly balls between home and first base, fair or fouled. * Try to block all balls thrown in the dirt.
You must be the best in catching all types of throws. Height is an advantage. * The foot opposite your glove hand should touch the base as you stretch to catch a ball. * Always stretch to catch the ball.
* Be ready to cover second base on steals. * Cover first base when the ball is bunted by the batter. * Back up or cover first base when balls are hit to the first baseman. * Catch all fly balls behind the first baseman.
* Try to develop a good arm and a fast response. * Block all hard-hit balls. Take your time and make good overhand throws. * You must be alert for a bunt or slow-hit ball. Charge it, Grab it, and then throw. Do not throw while moving. * Catch all fly balls between home and third base, fair or foul. * Be sure third base is covered when the ball is hit elsewhere.
* Be the leader of the infield and help wherever you can. * Call out who is to catch fly balls. * Cover second base when the ball is hit to first baseman. Second baseman, or right fielder, and when someone tries to steal a base. * You should back up or cover third base when balls are hit to the third baseman. * Catch fly balls behind third baseman.
* You mush be fast and a sure fielder of fly balls. * Be the leader of the outfield. Keep others on their toes and help them on their plays. * Try to catch all balls hit in your direction. * Charge ( run in quickly ) to field ground balls. * Throw the ball as soon as you can, never hold onto it.
For these positions you should be a good hitter and an adequate fielder with a good hitter and an adequate fielder with a good arm. * Try to catch every' ball in the air. Anybody can catch a ball on a bounce.) * Charge all ground balls. * Get rid of the ball as soon as you can. * Back up all bases in case of wild throws.