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Article Series: Baseball
Teach Me About Baseball
Rules
Every Baseball Infielder Must Follow
The
infield positions are some of the most important ones in
baseball. They are comprised of the first,
second, and third baseman, as well as the shortstop. Their
main goal is to defend the various bases and prevent the other
team from scoring. This may involve catching fly balls, fielding
bunts, and knowing exactly which base to throw to in order
to be able to get an opposing player out. Here are some things
that every infielder should know.
First,
an infielder must think about what
he wants to do with the ball, before the ball
is even pitched. It is important that they know what is
going on in the game. If there are no
men on the plates, then it is important to either catch the
ball on the fly or get it back to first base as quickly as
possible. If the bases are loaded, it may be more important
to get the player on third out to prevent a score. Stay
focused and know what is going on around you.
Next, know you need to know
your opponent. It is important
to consider the speed of the batter and the runners that are
already on base. That way you will know how much time you have
to get the ball where it needs to go. However, it is important
not to panic and to be able to keep cool. Focusing on knocking
a hard hit ball down and keeping it in the infield will optimize
the amount of time you have to make a play.
Keep the communication up! This is especially true for the
shortstop and second baseman – they need to talk to each other.
Work out ahead of time who is covering second for a steal and
who will take a throw from the pitcher.
Learn
your catcher’s signs and so that you have an idea of
what the next pitch is that is being thrown. This will give
you some idea of what direction the ball might be headed. For
example, a fastball away to a right-handed batter may mean
a ball to the right side of the infield.
Always
keep your eye on the ball. Watch it all the way into your
glove. Failure to do so may result in a missed catch and an
error.
Keep
your body in a good position. It is important to try
to field the ball from the middle of your body over to your
glove side. This will give you the most control over the ball.
Keep
your glove open! This means using the entire surface
of your glove: the heel of the glove to your fingertips and
the width of your glove from your thumb to your little finger.
Use your feet when you throw and crow hop. To keep the ball
from tailing, sinking, or running to the player you are throwing
to, throw the ball cross seam. Always focus on your target,
stressing accuracy, and don’t watch the flight of the ball.
If the hit is a ground ball, remember to come in. If the ball
is bouncing, use two hands to catch it. If it is rolling slowly
you can use your bare hand. Work on going side to side on ground
balls, focusing on proper footwork and balance and well as
switching hands.
Practice your double plays, focusing on footwork and the transfer
of the ball from the glove to your throwing hand. Work on going
after fly balls in all directions, and also make sure that
you practice shading the sun.
Being an infielder is a very important position. Know your
part on the team, and what you need to do to help secure a
win. If everyone does his or her part, you are that much closer
to a winning season!
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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