Left Field Mistakes Allowing too many batters to get to second base. This mostly applies to balls hit down the left field line that aren’t hit hard enough to reach the corner. It’s a play where the batter tries to stretch a base hit into a...
Posted by Cindy Bristow Long before there was the Running Slap there was a great offensive weapon used by right handed hitters called the Slap or the Slug Bunt. Discover why it’s still a great weapon and how it can help expand the defense to create more...
Today’s video tip is for third basemen who want to make it easier for themselves when it comes to fielding bunts. It’s a little thing you do not see taught very often but if it is done, it can make a world of difference in...
Next up … common mistakes by third basemen! Playing too shallow. I suppose there may be coaches or players who would disagree with this but I believe it is too common. Obviously, if a third baseman has a weaker arm it would be natural for him...
A play that is seared in my mind is in the 2008 World Series, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett made an unbelievable play fielding the ball beyond 2nd base, and while moving toward centerfield he threw the Phillies runner out at 1st. While the skill...
Charging straight at the ball. This mistake is understandable since that is what younger kids are correctly taught to do at the lower levels. However, as kids get older the game gets faster. Eventually, charging straight at the ball creates problems with timing, footwork, balance,...
Recently I’ve done several videos on double play footwork and drills for both shortstops and second basemen. Of course, the best footwork out there will not matter so much if the feed to the bag is a horrible one. Neither second basemen nor shortstops enjoy...
To help your pitcher make her Rollover Drop break more have her dribble a basketball. Avoid using the palm to dribble and use the pads of the pointer and middle fingers instead. Have her dribble a few hard, really pushing down on the basketball and then have her pitch her...
When I work with older infielders (middle schoolers on up), the very first thing I often address is the need to get to the right of the ball on the approach. I’ve done a few written posts and some videos that deal with that very...
Next up … common mistakes by second basemen! Late getting to the bag. A second baseman has to master the area around the second base bag. A big part of that is getting to the bag on time for double play pivots, steals, and pick-off attempts. ...
