Set Position

1. Weight slightly forward, left foot in front three or four inches of the right foot. Knees slightly bent and weight up on the balls of the feet.
2. Glove held waist high.
3. As the pitcher gets ready to release the ball keep your eyes focused on the strike zone.

1. Both hands chest high and out in front of the body.
2. Leaning forward, anticipating the ball being hit in front of you.
3. By bending the knees (as the pitcher releases the ball) the glove should be as close to the ground as possible.
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1. The correct attitude
2. Excellent sensory perception
3. Good rhythm with all ground balls
4. Proper mechanics
5. The ability to make the plays.

Every infielder must desire to be involved in all 21 outs. His ATTITUDE should be to demand that every ground ball be hit to him. He is so confident in his fielding abilities that he knows every ground ball hit to him will result in an out. Therefore, if 21 ground balls are hit to him, no errors will be committed, and his team will be in a great position to win. He takes every ground ball personally, as if he were in a prizefight for the championship of the world. His confident attitude forces him to believe that there is no ground ball which can get by him, that he will get to the ball and throw the runner out. This ...

The most important aspect in pitching is throwing strikes consistently. In order to help young pitchers throw strikes, teach them how to play catch correctly. We have all admired how effortlessly Greg Maddux makes pitching appear. When in a groove, Maddux is so effortless with his mechanics that he merely seems to be playing catch. By aiding young pitchers in becoming simplified and effortless in mechanics, they will not only throw strikes more consistently, but also will develop confidence in their ability.

When evaluating a pitcher's mechanics, watch them warm up in a rather informal setting. While observing, look to see whether the following five principles of good throwing technique are being used:

1. Eyes are constantly on the target.
2. The athlete should be in a good goal post position, meaning both glove side elbow and throwing elbow should be as high as his shoulder.
3. The ball should be pointed back to allow for the rotation of the hips. ...

Two-seam fastball (a.k.a. sinker) - This fastball does just that, it sinks. A very good pitch for inducing ground balls.

Cut-fastball - Holding the ball slightly off center, it will run away from the arm side. Usually a few mph slower than a four-seam fastball. Good for jamming hitters.

Split-finger fastball - Strictly an out pitch. Dives down hard at home plate, many times getting missed swings.

Change-up - Slower than a fastball, but thrown with the same arm action. The arm speed is very important in getting the maximum effectiveness. This pitch helps control bat speed.

Curveball - Most often a strikeout pitch. Dives down as it gets to home plate. Many times the velocity is as effective as th ...