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Shortstop footwork question

M MoDad10+ posts
What do you consider to be the proper footwork for a shortstop to make a throw to 1B on a routine grounder? Please assume that the SS is right handed. While fielding the ball, should the right foot be a little behind the left foot or even? Should the SS's first step to 1B consist of 1) a drop step with the right foot behind the left foot, 2) a step directly towards 1B (more of a crossover step) or 3) something else? I think I have heard others recommend each of the first two options. I have been impressed with much of the knowledge shared on this board and look forward to your responses. Thanks in advance.
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CADadCADad5,000+ posts
Lot of different opinions on this. It depends on quickness and arm strength. I prefer to have the right foot back a bit, and if possible to circle the ball a bit in order to line up toward first.

If the ss has a strong enough arm I like to see the right foot come in behind the left then step and throw just because it is a simpler motion. For most players though, redbird5's 2) is probably the best bet.
redbird5redbird510,000+ posts
CaDad,

Just curious but why should someone with a stronger arm step behind?

I like the step through because you can get more momentum going to 1B and, thus, (I always like saying that) allowing you to conserve arm strength.

I know people teach different things and I have used both methods. I am just curious why you say that.
goMOgoMO100+ posts
we do it where the right foot is slightly behind the left. As the fielder gets the ball in his glove, he comes up pushing up off his left leg. His right leg crosses over in front as his arm is coming up. As his right leg plants and gets ready to push off, the right arm is cocked and ready to go.

CaDad - I don't see how the right leg can go behind the left leg without taking them momentum away from 1B. Having it cross in front keeps the body moving towards 1B.
Last edited by goMO
goMOgoMO100+ posts
I understand what you're saying about the deflection, but we assuming we're going to make more plays than we muff, and I want to play assuming we'll make the play, not play too defensively (pun intended...). and also, its the hips that get turned a bit, not the shoulders as much, so the deflection shouldn't go too far to the right.
Last edited by goMO
goMOgoMO100+ posts
didn't I just answer that two posts above? When you catch the ball, you arms will be coming up to the right side to get ready to throw, and having that hip open slightly (only a few inches behind the left foot) helps that, as well as having the hips a little more aligned to 1B. And that's just our way. I'm not saying its better than anyone else...
Last edited by goMO

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