Willie M

Outfield Tips

Outfielders...when the ball is hit straight at you, it is often difficult to judge. Try to take a step or two to the side to get away from the tunnel vision and improve your ability to judge the speed and trajectory of the ball. Also keep in mind that the ball always curves towards the foul lines regardless of a L or R handed hitter.

Tip #2

OUTFIELD TIPS-THROWING THE BALL TO THE INFIELD

 Here are the details an outfielder should keep in mind when he/she throws the ball back to the infield.

•  Needs the ability to get rid of the ball as soon as possible. Don’t hold the ball for any reason.

• Should throw the ball overhand. Slinging the ball causes accuracy problems. No side arming.

• Hold the ball across the seams when throwing, fingers spread slightly apart and thumb underneath. This provides increased accuracy and carry. 4-seam grip.

• When throwing to a base or home, the backspin created by the overhand grip will put good “skip” on the ball if it hits the ground.

• Keep the throws down. All throws should be chest or head high.

• Hit the cut-off.

• Develop arm strength by throwing long in practice.

• Practice good arm care.

• Rule #1- HIT THE CUTOFF.

Tip # 3

Improve Outfield Play

Great outfielders have speed, respectable arms, and the ability to catch or play the ball in a variety of situations, i.e. on the ground, pop-ups, routine fly balls, and running catches to the side or over the head.

There are individual drills for each of these physical skills. But prior to execution of a physical skill, mental preparation must take place.

Just as in practicing for physical skills, players need to spend time working on this mental preparation aspect. Here are a few tips for coaches to incorporate into an outfield practice lesson plan.

1. Situation preparation. Spend time working on the chalkboard teaching your kids how to play the game. Give them written questions and test them. An outfielder should be taught to review all possible options when each hitter comes to the plate; know where the hitter likes to hit the ball, know where you should throw the ball because of the particular situation, and know where to go on your backups. Tell your kids that being a spectator is the kiss of death! Every play has a place for you to be.

2. Know the field and weather conditions. Before the game, every coach and player should take a look at the outfield and identify any hazards such as rough or bumpy ground, sprinkler heads, or water drains. Before each inning, both players and coaches should check the wind direction, angle of the sun and conditions of the grass. A player should never be caught off guard when a ball takes a bad hop, skips on wet grass, or gets caught in the sun.

3. Good signals eliminate surprises! Outfielders should be signaled by the middle infielder before each pitch. This will allow them to anticipate which direction the hitter is most likely to hit. They have to be sure not to overplay because some hitters go against the "norm."

4. Outfielders must know their pitcher and her tendencies. (Pitches lot of high pitches, result in a lot of fly ball; low pitchers lead to grounders etc.) Most coaches never analyze with their own team about their own teams weaknesses. Experienced players can tell if the pitcher has her good stuff that day or not. Good players know how the catcher will call the game.

4. Every outfielder must talk with teammates. They need to let each other know how each is playing deep/short/ batter tendencies, etc. This allows all to know what adjustments need to be made on gap shots. Always call the ball if you know you can make the catch. Obviously, this will help avoid any collisions, or miss-communications (I thought she had it). A good drill here is to hit fly balls between two outfielders and as they run toward each other, make them call out their position etc. Alternate who catches the ball each time so that you don't have a practice collision.

5. To make the play outfielders should have a good ready position. Outfielders should be in a relaxed position and step into every pitch. This will allow them to have their weight on the balls of their feet and ready to move in any direction. Getting a good jump is a must for any player. By following these simple steps, outfielders can become more prepared to make the routine plays as well as the spectacular ones. It is important to stress better preparation, which will lead to better performance. The drill here is to hit fly balls to your outfield using the pitcher to throw a ball to catcher while you hit a fly ball to different locations surrounding the outfielder.

Tip #4

The Set Position for Fielding

In the set position, your feet are a little more than shoulder width apart, your weight is leaning slightly forward and your hands are on your knees. You are looking at the situation on the field.

In the set position you should be thinking about:

·         What's the score?

·         What inning is it?

·         How many outs are there?

·         How many runners are on base?

 You use this information to decide the answer to these questions:

·         What am I going to do with the ball if it's hit to me?

·         What if they hit me a ground ball? (Can I get a force play?)

·         What if they hit me a line drive? (Can I double somebody off?)

·         What if they hit me a fly ball? (What base do I throw to?)

The Ready Position for Fielding

There isn't much difference between the set position and the ready position, but it is important. As the pitch is getting ready to be made, you look only at the batter who is getting ready to swing. Take you hand off your knees and position them in front of you, so you are ready to catch the ball when it is hit to you. At the pitch, anticipate the ball being hit to you. You must be moving slightly in either direction and on the balls of your feet. Don't get caught flat.

How to Field Ground Balls in the Infield

·         Feet spread - so you have good balance to go either left or right, up or back

·         Seat down - so the ball doesn't go between your legs

·         Hands in front - so you can see the ball as it enters your glove

·         Use two hands every time!

·         Bring the ball up to your belt buckle

·         Throw the ball using the proper throwing motion

·         The closer you are to the batter the lower you’re to the ground.

How to Field Ground Balls in the Outfield - Three Techniques

·         Drop to one knee - It's the safest way to catch, but it takes the longest. It keeps the ball in front of you. This is the method we will use with no one on base.

·         The infield technique - This is the way that you will use most often.

·         The "do-or-die" - Only use this technique in game-saving situations like the last inning with the tying or winning run at second base. You scoop the ball up on the run and come up throwing.

How to Field Line Drives Above and Below the Waist

·         Line Drives above the Waist - Catch the ball with your hands and fingers pointed up.

·         Line Drives below the Waist - Catch the ball with your hands and fingers pointed down.

·         Always use two hands! 

Catching Fly Balls in the Infield and Outfield

·         Drop-step first, then crossover step (if the ball is hit over your head).

·         Get behind the ball.

·         Catch the ball while you are coming in toward the infield, so your momentum is toward the infield not away from it.

·         Catch the ball above your shoulder with a small bend in your elbows and knees to "cushion" the catch.

·         Throw the ball to the cut-off man. Don't hold the ball in the outfield!

* The drop step and crossover step will be demonstrated at practice.