complete shortstop

The complete shortstop
Ripken Baseball

To play short, all it takes is a slight of hand.

Your shortstop should have good hands, good arm, and the ability to get rid of the ball fast. He should be quick and possess ability to get the jump and cover ground. He must be a student of the game to the point where he anticipates the opponent's strategy. He should be a play maker.

An old baseball axiom states that no club is ever successful unless it is strong through the middle. The shortstop is considered the "middle of the middle." Add the good second baseman and you have a combination that spells success. As with any infield position, the fungo stick is your best teacher. Use it freely.

Throwing

Accurate throwing is the result of good balance. As all right-handed players throw off the right foot, it is extremely important to get the right foot planted to throw accurately. On the ball to the extreme right, a sliding stop is recommended, and when perfected the player winds up with his right foot braced against the loose dirt piled up by the sliding foot. He may find himself balanced to throw from this position but ordinarily an adjustment is necessary to maintain balance and throwing leverage. This play, known as throwing from the hole, is the shortstop's toughest play. On balls to the shortstop's right, that he is sure he can get in front of, he will go directly to the ball and field it, making a strong throw to first base or a quick, accurate throw to second base.

Your shortstop should:

Learn the ability of his arm and from what positions he throws best for speed and accuracy.

When time permits take the short crow hop for rhythm and leverage and not throw flat footed.

Never hold back on a throw.

Never loaf on the ground ball and try to make up for lost time by firing the ball.

Attempt to give his second baseman a chest-high throw that can be handled, either underhand or from any angle. Do not hide the ball.

Distinguish between a ground ball he can tag the bag and make the throw on and a ball he must give to the second baseman.

Recognize the ball he must charge, the throws he must hurry and the throws he can take his time on.

Know his relay positions and his back-up positions.

Be aware of the game situation at all times.

Assume the ready position and not be caught flat-footed when the ball is hit.

Keep the glove low to the ground, hands and arms relaxed, and give with the ball.

Call plays and coach his teammates on Texas League Type balls, pop-ups, etc. and recognize the fly ball back of the infield that can be handled best by the outfielder.

Have an understanding with the second baseman as to who will cover the base on any given pitch.

Play catch with the second baseman so as to learn his throwing habits and the movement of the ball.

The shortstop and second baseman should go back on balls hit over the infield with the intention of catching the ball until the outfielder calls them off.

When tagging a sliding runner, catch the ball and take his glove straight down and straight up.

The shortstop is the most important infielder, and his application is somewhat different as he is the key to the double play, defense against the double steal, cut offs, etc.
Specifically, the shortstop should:

Anticipate at all times what he going to do with ball, before it is hit to him.

Stay on top with most throws.

On a ball hit to his right, throw out his right leg and slide along the top of dirt as he is going to the ball. As the ball is fielded, he should plant his foot and throw against it.

Not play too deep when double play is in order. Cut down the angle by coming in. Cheat toward the bag when double play in order.

Cross over more than any other infielder because of greater area he covers.

Verbally keep your second baseman, third baseman and pitcher alive.

Charge the ball more than any other infielder.

Cover second base when a bunt is in order.

Hold runners close. Don't let them get big leads.

When the second baseman is taking throws on double steals, advise him verbally if a runner breaks from third base toward home so that he (second baseman) can come up from the bag to make the play.

When making the double play:

Do not feel every ball hit with a man on is a double play ball. The speed of the ball and where the ball is hit will determine this.

Always get the head man. Let the second baseman execute the double play. The shortstop will catch the ball.

Let the pitcher know who is covering second with man on first.

Cover second base on all balls hit back to the pitcher, unless the batter is a real dead pull hitter. Then second baseman takes the bag.

Charge the bag hard. Then, slow down with a slight shuffle to determine in what direction the throw is coming.

Step with the left foot then tag the bag with your right foot. This can be a tag or a drag. When the ball is thrown on the outside, tag the bag with your right foot and shove off hard out of the oncoming runner's way. If the ball is thrown on the inside, tag the bag with your left foot, shove off, plant your right leg and throw. When as a shortstop you take the play by yourself, you should tag the bag with your left leg behind the bag. Tag the bag as you are making the throw.

Throw the ball low; make the runner get down.

Have an understanding with the second baseman as to who is covering the bag. Do this by hiding your mouth with glove. A closed mouth will mean "me," and an open mouth will mean "you."

Determine, based upon distance from the bag, if a throw is necessary or if an underhand shove will get the runner.

When using the underhand shove, give it to your second baseman firmly. A stiff wrist will help accuracy.

Tag the bag by yourself. When not necessary don't handle the ball twice. Stay behind the bag when making the tag. As you plant your left foot down and make contact, release the ball.

Draw a line in infield practice. Establish that balls on one side of the line will be shoved and those on the other side must be thrown. When game time comes it will be fixed in players' minds what to do naturally.

Don't hide your throws from the second baseman. Let him see the ball at all times.

If the ball is booted stay at the bag. Act as the first baseman would.

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