Outfielder Position Clinic

Printer-friendly version

1. Catching fly ball

The best position to catch a fly ball is above your head. This gives you the best perception of where the ball is. Whether you catch out in front of your face or off to the side a bit, remember not to block your view of the ball with your glove. Another tip in catching fly balls is allowing your glove to do the work. Catch the ball first and then go get the ball with your throwing hand. Have your throwing hand near your glove, but not too close as to limit your range with your catching hand or interfere with the catch itself. Everyone teaches catching with two hands. However, some kids will use two hands to a fault and limit their range by trying to catch every ball with two hands.

2. Fielding base hit

First and foremost, the outfielder cannot let the ball get by him. This and the field conditions will dictate how you catch the ball. If you have time and/or the outfield is really uneven, you have to get down to make sure you catch it. This means blocking the ball with your body if you have to. If the ball is rolling at a good clip, it is always a good idea to make sure you keep it in front of you, even on a good field.

3. Cutting off ball

Cutting off the ball in the gap all has to do with your angle of attack at the ball. Get a good break and gauge where you think you can get to it. If you have to take a deeper angle, do it. Rather over estimate angle than under estimate it and have the ball get by you into the gap.

4. Crow hop

The crow hop is used to get a little extra behind your throw. All it is is getting your body moving toward your target and creating momentum. The first thing you need to remember is to catch the ball first. Moving toward your target, take a little hop, gain some ground, step with your right foot (for righties, the opposite for lefties), get sideways to your target and throw, letting your momentum carry you forward after you throw.

5. Throwing through cutoff man

It is the objective for each outfielder to throw through the cutoff man every time. If positioned properly, he gives you a great line of sight for the shortest distance to the base you are throwing to. Try and hit him in the head every time.

6. Getting behind ball

On fly balls with men on base, outfielders should try to position themselves behind the ball and catch it coming in to create momentum to be able to get more on their throws.

7. First step quickness

Playing the outfield is no different than playing the infield, you still need to be ready to move in any direction when the ball is hit. Get yourself in a good athletic starting position; knees inside feet, weight on balls of feet, feet a little further than shoulder width apart, and hands off knees.

8. How to think as an outfielder

You are the last line of defense and need to be able to catch everything that comes your way. Cut off every ball in the gap, and hit every cutoff man. It can get lonely out there at times. When not involved in a play, always be backing somebody up. Never assume the infielder or outfielder is going to make the play. Lastly, always be thinking ahead as to what you are going to do before the ball is hit to you. Expect the ball.

Drills

1. Hit balls straight at them.
2. Make them go to balls to their left.
3. Make them go to balls to their right.
4. Make them come in on balls.
5. Make them go straight back on balls.

Fun advanced drills

1. Making diving catches.
2. Do or die ground balls and throwing to home.
3. Football wide receiver drills and catching ball over shoulder.