So I think I might start outfield for high school this year. I normally play first base and I am just asking if any ways that could help me with my set position before the pitch to improve my jump on the baseball right off the bat. Also if you got any other tips i would be grateful to hear and apply them to improve my game. I know some what about the outfield and have played it before. Just looking to get better and God Bless.
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We teach a couple step creep into a good ready athletic position, not terribly unlike an infielder but the resulting "ready" position doesn't have to be quite as low because you will not be receiving a quick hard grounder. Still, low is good as it gives you better reaction time and a good read on the ball off the bat.
Some OF's like a slightly offset "ready" position with one foot further forward. A slight offset is OK but I don't believe you can break with equal quickness to either side with this approach. Definitely no hands on the knees.
Here is where the hands go. Good luck with the new position!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_HF7s9YCJ4
BaseballByTheYard.com
Thanks cabbagedad and mechrm I will use these tips to improve my game.
Learn to read the bat!
Bob
thanks consultant
Lots of fly-ball practice. Different heights on the ball (line drives, Texas league-rs, deep flyes etc) and live fielding.. Reading the baseball off the bat is what the consultant is talking about. He's correct. Depending on who's batting RH or LH batter, the ball does funny things. Practice!!!!
True story time.
In 2002 at Blair Field in Long Beach, Delmon Young age 16 played RF against the very strong Japan National HS Team. In the 9th inning he made a great catch in right center field.
After the game, I ask Delmon, how did you make that catch.
He said, "Bob with 2 strikes the Japanese left handed hitters all inside out the bat and I was in motion before the ball hit the bat".
PROPER THINKING!
BOB
Thanks Coachfactor and Consultant
One of the best tips I have ever received and pass on it to use the bill of the cap like a compass. When the ball leaves the bat use the followig steps.....
Under the brim the ball will be in front of you.
At the brim the ball will be coming right at you,
Above the brim the ball will be a fly ball you can handle or in front of you.
Something I heard the other day that I have started saying to my outfielders is the following. If you drop a fly ball it should hit you in the face. This came from Tori Hunter who jumped on a fellow outfielder for dropping a ball.
Thank you IEBSL I love tori hunter. He is one of my role model outfielders.
Always run on the balls of your feet. The more you stay on your toes when you run for a fly ball, the less your head moves. That way, you can judge the landing point of the ball because it's not bobbing up and down as you run. Also, when looking into the sun, do not set up square to the ball, turn about a half turn so the sun is not directly in your eyes.
