Third Basemen Position Clinic

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1. Making throws to first

Really important to get your body in alignment to make this throw across the diamond. Ensure your front shoulder and hip are pointed at your target and your step is also to target. Work on getting a four seam grip every time.

2. Making throws to second

A little bit easier to get body in alignment on this throw because you are already sideways to second base. However, make sure you stay in a good athletic position when you throw. Since it is a shorter throw, some kids may have a tendency to stand upright too quickly. Don’t get caught up too much in turning the double play, make sure you make a good throw first and get the lead runner.

3. Covering third on steal

Pretty simple here. Just run to bag and straddle. Make your tag and get your glove out of there.

4. First step quickness

This requires a good creep step. The step sequence is right-left. Hands should be out in front of you, knees inside of feet, feet a little wider than shoulder width apart and weight on the balls of your feet in an athletic position. Some infielders like to take a hop after the creep step. Either way, creep step or creep step with a hop, you should time it to coincide the the pitch crossing the hitting area.

5. How to think as a third baseman

Third basemen don’t require great range, but they do require a good, quick first step. With that in mind, it is paramount that you always have yourself ready when the pitch is in the hitting zone. Since you are closest to the plate, the ball will get on you quicker and your reactions need to be better. One good thing about third is you have a little more time to make a throw. Try and get your body in front of the ball and knock it down and make a play if you can. Always be thinking ahead as to what you are going to do with the ball if it’s hit to my right, left or straight at me, depending on the situation. Third basemen also require guts. The hardest ball are hit your way. Expect the ball.

Drills

1. Taking ground balls and throwing to first.
2. Feeding second baseman on double plays.
3. During playing catch; work on pivot throw to partner, short hops, getting ball out of glove quickly.

Fun advanced drills

1. Slow rollers and throwing to first.
2. Making diving stops of ground balls.

Infield Drills that all Infielders should do everyday during playing catch

1. Quick hands drill. Infielder works on getting the ball out of his glove quickly, with his feet underneath him and throws to partner.
2. Short hop drill. Infielders are spread about 20 feet apart and each throws backhand, forehand and short hops right at partner. Advanced: Throw the balls a little harder and do not tell fielder where the throw is going.