: Skills & Drills: Defense

Catching Grounders: [Fielding]
The key to proper fielding is to keep the player square to the ball as it approaches. Note: This can be difficult for younger players to grasp so you will have to demonstrate the concept repeatedly. This maximizes the pocket area open to the ball and should the ball be difficult to handle, they will at the very least be able to stop the ball. Here are the key steps to proper fielding:

1. Assume the ‘ready’ position.
2. Get to the ball. The player should lead with the glove, always keeping the glove the nearest thing to the ball. Infielders may not have the opportunity the get in front of the ball, but instead will have to judge the speed and bounces of the ball to field it on the run.
3. Once in position, resume the ready position with these changes. The glove foot should be in front with the glove open wide and on the ground. This allows the player to transfer to the ‘turn, look…’ throwing method quickly.
4. As the ball approaches, extend the glove in front of the body towards the ball. Should the player mishandle the ball, this will allow them to possibly have a second opportunity.
5. Keep the glove low, especially on erratically bouncing balls. Teach players to always err on the low side since they can bring the glove up to field a ball much quicker than they can move it down.
6. Watch the ball all the way into the glove.
7. Use both hands. Players should use the throwing hand to help ‘cage’ the ball in the glove, and then to get the ball out of the glove quickly for the throw.
8. Turn, Look, Step and Throw…