1. Anticipates all defensive plays that could involve him - Ready to throw to right base or home plate.
2. Stays on top of the ball, with most throws. - Plants his feet and throws over- hand when possible.
3. Works on holding runners close.
4. Charges the ball aggressively especially on topped or slow hit balls past the pitcher.
5. Covers second base when the bunt is on.
6. When positioning to field the ball, cheats slightly towards his weaker side.

Set Position

1. Feet are spread slightly more than shoulder width.
2. Toes are turned out to make the lateral move easier.
3. Left foot three or four inches in front of your right foot. Body weight up on the balls of the feet and knees slightly bent.
4. Keep ...

Set & Ready Position - With No Runners On Base

1. The First baseman positions himself approximately 15 to 20 feet behind first base and about 10 feet from the line. This is the normal positioning when a bunt is not anticipated and there are no runners on base.
2. Weight slightly forward, left foot in front three or four inches, knees slightly bent and weight up on the balls of the feet.
3. Glove held waist high, open, facing toward the batter.
4. Always check with the second baseman to make sure there is no mix up on ground balls hit to the right side of the infield.
5. Always focus your eyes into the strike zone, assuming that the ball will be ...

The READY POSITION is one of narrow stance with the weight on the balls of feet and the center of gravity relatively high, so that the outfielder can move quickly in any direction. He must be ready to move rather instantaneously in an unknown direction. You should walk into the ready position.

PRE-PLAY MENTAL PREPARATIONS:
1. Determine how the ball bounces off the wall.
2. Determine how the ball meets the corner of the fence.
3. Say to yourself "EVERY BALL HIT IS GOING TO BE HIT TO ME." Prepare yourself mentally before every pitch. That way you will never be caught on the short end.
4. Be alert to each special situation. Always expect the worst so you will be ready. Know what you are doing with the ball on every pitch.
  a. Know when the bunt is in order.
  b. Know when the tyi ...

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.
&l ...

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 ...