The three outfield positions are extremely important in baseball because it is a position that can often win, or lose, a game. The role of the outfielder is to catch long fly balls to make outs, to stop long bouncing grounders and bloopers and to make throws to the bases that create outs. Playing the outfield position requires proficiency in several skills.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball
An outfielder can never afford to be focused on anything but the action at the plate when a batter is in the box. A good outfielder follows the ball with her eye from the moment the ball appears from behind the pitcher's body and heads to the plate, until the ball is safely in someone's glove. Focus is crucial. Don't ever let your mind wander when playing outfield.
Learn to Track the Ball
It takes practice in drills to learn to accurately track a ball in the air and on the ground. Learn to triangulate the position and arc of the ball in a pop fly. Get your glove in position just in front of your face, tilted up towards the ball at the last possible second to receive the ball. For grounders, track the ball by counting the bounces as you see them. This is a "magic trick" in fielder's lore. You will be ready to catch the last bounce if you start counting with the first one.
Practice Throws to the Bases
Outfielders need to have rocket throws that get from outfield to a baseman very fast and in as a direct a line as possible, as if shot from a rifle. Practice to avoid throwing high arcing balls back to basemen because they take a long time to arrive. Runners can easily score while the basemen wait for your high throw to get there. Pace off the distance from center field to first base or the shortstop and start throwing at a target, such a laundry basket or a line of water bottles. Become a virtual sniper!
Control Your Throws
One of the worst throws an outfielder can make is a wild throw or an over-throw that goes over a baseman's head or somewhere else unintended. Practice throwing at a target so you can deliver a fast ball with control from the outfield.
Visualize the Next Play
All baseball players on defense need to know the answer to the question: "Where is the play?" As each batter comes to the box, a good outfielder notes where the most critical next out is located. If you have a runner on second, the play is may be at third or home. If you have a runner on third, the play may be to home. If you have a runner on first, the play may be to second or third base or home. There is a great chance that you are going to field the ball if it is hit. Make sure you throw it to the right base or cut-off man.
Control the Sun
When you first take the field, note the position of the sun. If it is in your face, go back to the dugout and get sunglasses or a baseball cap with a longer bill. You need to be able to protect your eyes from losing the ball in the sun or becoming fatigued during the game. Flip-up sunglasses can be handy. You can flip up the visor as you track the ball so you can see it more clearly as it arcs down towards you.
Stay In The Game
Even in slow games, keep yourself connected to the other players and the game. Call out to them with chatter and encouragement. Remind them you're there and that you're ready to make a great play. Move around in your area between batters but snap into proper position, ready, feet spread apart, hand and glove posed for action, when the batter enters the box.
Use a Proper Glove
An outfield is only as good as his glove. Make sure you have a glove that fits your hand snugly. The weight of the glove should be easy to balance but not so heavy that you tend to hold it passively, pointed down to the ground. Keep your glove supple by treating it with saddle soap. Repair any frayed or untied webbing. Store your glove between games in the opened position, posed face down on the tips of the glove fingers, to avoid creating a crease in the middle of the glove.
References
- "Baseball For Dummies"; Joe Morgan, Richard Lally and Sparky Anderson; 2005
- "Amazing Baseball Tips: A Guide To Youth Baseball And Softball For Beginner Coaches, Players, And Parents"; Tim Knouse; 2009
- "Baseball: Rules, Tips, Strategy, And Safety (Sports from Coast to Coast: Set 2)"; Jason Porterfield; 2007
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