Third base is one of the hardest positions to play on the baseball field. Not only does the position require great reactions as a defensive player, a strong arm and the ability to make plays on bunt attempts, most teams expect their third basemen to be solid offensive players who can hit the long ball and drive in important runs with clutch hits throughout the season. As a result, having a great third baseman is essential for any team that wants to contend for a championship.
Step 1
Work on your reactions on balls that are hit down the third base line. Third basemen are expected to have great range, and the toughest play to make is probably the hard drive hit down the third baseline. On that play, the third baseman has to reach across his body to snare the ball, set his feet and fire a long, hard throw to first base. This is a play that baseball scouts consider very difficult to make, but third basemen are expected to do it consistently.
Step 2
Charge in toward the play on a bunt or a topped ground ball. The third baseman may have to pick this ball up on the run and fire a strike to first or second (to get the lead runner), all in one motion. On a standard ground ball, an infielder can catch the ball, transfer it to his throwing hand and then deliver it to first base. On the bunt or slow roller, the third baseman must do it all in one motion.
Step 3
Catch any ball to your left that you can get. The shortstop is deep in the hole and will keep many hard ground balls from going through to the outfield. The third baseman can make life easier by ranging to his left to get ground balls, setting his feet and then throwing out the batter at first or getting the lead runner at second. This is another tough play that third basemen are expected to make consistently.
Step 4
Hit the ball for power and in clutch situations. Third basemen combine athleticism with strength, and should have better- than-average power. Third basemen have to be solid contributors to the offensive lineup, and hitting the ball with power--either over the fence or in the outfield gaps--is a requirement for a great player at the position.
Step 5
Cover your base when the outfielder throws the ball to you in an attempt to nail a base runner. When a runner is on first and there's a single to right field, that runner will try to advance to third. The right fielder will throw the ball to you, and you must catch the ball cleanly and place a tag on the runner if the throw is accurate. This can be challenging, as the runner slides directly at you while wearing spiked shoes.
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