Fielding is a skill that is often overlooked by young players because it is perceived as less fun than hitting and pitching.

Many games are won or lost by fielding, though, especially the close ones.

Here are some tips for fielding ground balls:

1. Get in the “ready” position
• Spread your feet slightly wider than shoulder width so you can take off in any direction.
• Shift your weight to the balls of your feet.
• Bend at the back with your seat...
Continue Reading

In baseball and softball, base running is just as much an art as hitting or bunting.

Getting out of the batter’s box and down the line efficiently is a seemingly simple task that can have game-changing results. Imagine beating that throw from the shortstop or legging out what your coach meant to be a sacrifice bunt.

It doesn’t take tremendous speed, either.

Here are some tips for running to first base:

As a batter, taking a balanced swing and...
Continue Reading

Knowing how to run the bases can make a runner with average speed better on the base paths than a speedy player who runs them incorrectly.

Taking the right steps as you round first on a base hit can get you a double in a stat book instead of a single.

Here are some tips for rounding first base:

As you approach first base, take a very quick peek to see if the ball is in the infield or not. If you see the ball is through the infield, or if you had hit a fly ball,...
Continue Reading

No matter what level you play at, tagging up and advancing to the next base on a fly ball is a critical base-running skill.

It takes heads-up play, good timing and practice.

Here are some tips for tagging up on a fly ball:

As a runner on first base: On fly balls to right field, you want to go about 1/4 of the way to second base; to center field, about 1/3 of the way; and to left field, about 1/2 of the way. You should be under control and watching the ball so...
Continue Reading

You’ve reached first base, and it’s a tie game in the bottom of the last inning. Getting into scoring position could get your team into the win column, and your coach knows it. You’ve been given the sign to steal.

Getting a good jump isn’t the only part of this basic baseball skill. Here are some tips for stealing successfully:

Always listen to your first base coach and watch your third base coach while still on the bag. Don’t take your lead and then look to your coach, or...
Continue Reading

Most pitchers develop several main pitches and then throw variations of those pitches.

Here are some tips for throwing the fastball, slider and curve ball:

Fastball – Four Seam
• Fingers across the seams
• Ball will rotate over four seams
• Ball behavior: stays straight usually more velocity (speed)

Fastball – Two Seam
• Fingers positioned on “horseshoe” seams
• Ball will rotate over two seams
• Ball behavior: sinking...
Continue Reading