defending the diamond

Defending the diamond: Infielder skills
Ripken Baseball

Stay tough, be ready for a hard slide.

It may seem strange that most of the same instructions are applicable to every member of a team, but it is true. Every member of a club uses the shift, some unknowingly. The crow hop used to throw is the same shift used by the catcher, first baseman and the rest of the infield and outfield when seeking balance and leverage. "Field the ball in front of you" applies to every fielder. "Give with the ball" applies to everyone, whether it be a ground ball, fly ball or thrown ball. The need for mental and physical preparedness is uniform.

Of major importance: There is no set way to field, throw or execute a play. The best way is the way that most consistently produces the desired results in any given circumstances. However, if results are not satisfactory, the fundamentals offered below may help with your problem.

Prior to the stance

The type of pitch has been signaled.

The positioning of the infielders has been adjusted.

The number of outs has been verified and game situation reviewed.

The man covering on a steal, hit and run, or run and hit has been determined.

The possibility of a bunt has been discussed, and an attempt has been made to anticipate the opponent's strategy.

With this mental and physical readiness, the infielder is ready to make the play.

The stance

At release of the ball by the pitcher, an infielder should assume a ready position, somewhat similar to the description below:

Spread feet a comfortable width, approximately width of shoulders.

Move weight forward on balls of feet.

Keep knees slightly bent and tail down.

Keep arms relaxed and hanging low.

From this position concentrate on the hitter.

Anticipate every ball will be hit to you.

Anticipate that ball to take a bad hop, and if it does you will be ready to field it.

An infielder should:

Keep eyes on the ball and see it go into the glove. Try to catch every ball out in front.

Line up harder-hit balls on the glove side or at least at the center of body.

Line up slow-hit balls on the throwing side.

Charge all slow-hit balls in practice. This is the infielder's toughest play.

Practice throwing to all bases when taking ground balls in pre-game drills.

Practice backhanding plays in practice. An infielder can't get in front of every ball.

Guard against "flinching," the major cause of booting ground balls.

Know his own strengths and weaknesses.

Know his own arm strength, speed of the batter-runner and other runners.

Use the cross-over step for lateral movement.

Try to play ball on the good hop.

Stay down with hands and body—you can always come up.

Know what to do with the ball before it is hit.

Know the outs, inning and game score.

Try to learn opposing hitters and play them accordingly.

Know the pitch going to the plate and watch position of pitch in order to get a better jump on ball.

Make sure of getting the headman on double plays by making a good throw.

Throw at longer distance at times to stretch arm. Throw across big seams of ball and practice throwing overhand, 3/4 and even from the side.

Remember that balance, rhythm and timing come with good practice. Practice correctly and you will play correctly.

Click the button above to go back to the web page or web site you were at before comming to this page