Main Takeaways:
- An absolute must to outfield play is being mentally prepared for every pitch.
- Another must is getting into a proper set position, which will allow you to easily move in any direction.
- A proper “jab step” allows you to fire open your hips to initiate your dash to make the play; it maximizes your efficiency (saves time).
Coach’s Notes:
- When playing the outfield, young players should always be able to immediately answer two questions:
- How many outs are there?
- Where are there base runners?
- When moving directionally, outfielders use the jab step because it allows them to clear their hips and move as efficiently as possible to sprint straight to the spot at which the anticipated play will be made.
- The proper set position can vary, but it’s fundamentally the same. Regardless of whether your hands are on your knees, at your sides, or out in front of you, your feet should be just outside of your shoulders in an athletic position, ready to move in any direction.
WATCH the Video: You can share this and other videos with your players. Bring it to practice on your I-Pad, Mobile device, or laptop computer.