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Fielding Basics
Before the pitch
Before each play a fielder (usually the shortstop) will call out the number of outs and which base play is on. Before the pitch is thrown each fielder should use this information by thinking
What play do I make if the ball comes to me ?
and
What play do I make if the ball goes to someone else ?
Fielders should ask themselves both these questions before the ball is pitched, and not just ask the questions but also know the answers. At it's most basic the player fielding the ball will gather it in and make a throw, an infielder may alternatively step on the nearest base whilst holding the ball if there is a force play on that base. Whilst that is happening the other fielders will also be in motion, other infielders will normally cover their base, othere outfielders will back up the play.
As the pitcher prepares to pitch the fielders should get into position to field the ball if it comes to them, the 'ready position'.
Infielders set up in a crouched position with their hands in front of their body, looking at the batter as they hit the ball and with their feet slightly more than shoulder width apart. They should stand with their weight on the balls of their feet, not back on their heels, and have their knees slightly bent, ready to move in any direction as required. The middle infielders (second base and short stop) are further away from the batter than the corner fielders. This extra distance gives them longer to react to the hit which in turn means they can set up in a slightly higher stance than the two corner infielders.
The pitcher should also get into a ready position after releasing the pitch.
Outfielders have more time to react to the ball after it is hit so the outfield ready position is more upright. Again the feet are slightly over shoulder width apart and the hands in front of the body. Again all fielders should be watching the batter as the pitch comes in so that they can 'read' the hit as it comes off the bat.
Fielding a ground ball
- Bend from the knees not just from the waist. Field the ball well in front to keep the ball in sight.
- Feet more than shoulder width apart to keep balanced.
- Field the ball in front of the middle of the body.
- The bare hand should cover the glove to trap the ball.
Fielding a fly ball
Field the ball well in front to keep the ball in sight. Catch the ball at head height or just above with the ball in front of the middle of the body or slightly to the throwing hand side. Keep your elbows slightly bent and arms relaxed so that you can adjust easily to a moving ball. The bare hand should be just behind the glove as the ball is caught to trap the ball and to allow a quick throw.
As you get more confident practice setting up slightly back from where you expect the ball to land so you can move in to catch it and use that momentum to give you more power on your throw after taking the catch,
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE BALL !
NOTE: When catching a fly ball the fielder should shout 'My Ball, My Ball' and wave off other players trying to catch the ball. Outfielders have priority over infielders when going for a fly ball because a player coming in to catch the ball can see both the ball and the other player. A fielder moving out to catch the ball cannot keep their eye on the ball and on a player moving in The middle infielders have priority over the corner fielders and all other fielders have priority over the pitcher.
Catching a fly ball
- Field the ball well in front to keep the ball in sight.
- Field the ball in front of the middle of the body.
- The bare hand should cover the glove to trap the ball and to allow a quick throw.
Throwing the ball
When throwing the ball it's important to get some forward momentum by stepping forward as you throw. Make sure that you use the whole of your body to help propel the ball forward, the more power you can get from your legs and waist the less strain you put on your arm
- Draw back the arm.
- Point the glove at the target, ball behind head, elbows at shoulder height.
- Start forward, lead with the throwing elbow, pull the glove down and into the body.
- Snap the wrist on release, pull down on the seams.
- Follow through until the throwing hand touches the glove-side leg.
Fielders in motion: Backing up
Backing up in the field is universally agreed to be a Good Thing but what does it mean in practice ? At it's most general it means that all fielders should be alert to the fact that other fielders make mistakes and be ready to deal with the results of other fielders mishaps.
It's a baseball cliche that there's no play called standing around. Every fielder should be active when the ball is in play, fielding the ball, covering a base, preparing to receive a throw, or backing up another player who is fielding or receiving the ball. In the photograph below right field has missed the ball, but the damage will be limited because right centre is pushing across at speed to cover the miss.
Some useful fielding videos from the USA softball:
Fielding positions
Each position in the field has it's own characteristics and the fielder should be aware of their special responsibilities, click on a position to read a bit more:
| Pitcher | Catcher | First Base | Second Base | Third Base |
| Short stop | Left fielder | Left Centre fielder | Right centre fielder | Right fielder |
