Defense in baseball does not get the glory that other areas of the game command. Fans fall in love with big hitters who can bash home runs, and pitchers who can throw the ball hard and have high strikeout totals. However, championship teams always play great defense. That means being able to field ground balls with consistency and expertise. Teams that take defense for granted and don't have the proper fundamentals for fielding ground balls end up losing games they should have won. Teams with dependable ground ball defenses find a way to steal wins throughout the season.
Step 1
Place your weight on the balls of your feet with your knees bent and your hands low to the ground as your pitcher prepares to throw. You have to be ready to make a play in an instant. That includes moving to your left, right, in and out. With your feet shoulder slightly more than shoulder width apart, you are ready to move after the ball.
Step 2
Move to the ground ball quickly as the ball is hit. Center your body in front of the ball and get your glove down on the ground with the palm of the glove facing up. This will enable you to catch the ball easily. Once the ball hits your glove, make sure it stays in there by covering it with your throwing hand.
Step 3
Block the ball with your chest if the ball takes a bad hop. That's why you get directly in front of the ball when you can. When the ball hits your chest, it will bounce directly in front of you and you may be able to pick it up and make a play.
Step 4
Catch the ball while on the move if the ball is not within your range. If the ball is to your left, bend down after you take your first step and extend your glove to the left side. Time your movement so the ball and glove will arrive at the same spot at the exact same time. The same holds true on ground balls to your right.
Step 5
Charge the ball on any slow-hit infield grounder or bunt. If the ball is not going to reach you, you have to run to the ball. On many grounders, the infielder will have to take the ball on the run and then throw it in the same motion. This requires balance, coordination and practice.
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