Amateur Baseball Federation of India
THE OFFICIAL SITE OF INDIAN BASEBALL

Fielding Positions Of Baseball

As a pitcher, you must be able to throw the ball fast and accurately. You are the most important player on the team. Here are some tips on how to pitch.

   * Grip the ball on the wide seams.
   * Step toward the batter and push off the mound.
   * Throw overhead with a downward snap of the wrist.
   * Follow through with the fingers almost touching the ground.
   * Keep your eyes on the catcher`s glove at all times.
   * After the pitch be ready to field the ball.
   * Warm up about 15 minutes before pitching a game or before an important practice session.
   * For practice in control, try the "simulated strike zone" idea. Drive two poles into the ground, or use two standards about 8 feet apart. Tie heavy cord to the posts to form a strike zone-a rectangle as wide as home plate and as high as the distance between the batter`s knees and armpits. Use a catcher and a home plate, and practice pitching into this zone.



A catcher should be a good leader and have a strong arm.

   * Always wear proper equipment while catching.
   * Take a position directly behind home plate, near enough to touch the batter with your glove.
   * Crouch down, with feet apart for comport.
   * Hold your glove facing the pitcher, and keep your bare hand behind the glove.
   * Don`t turn your head when balls are thrown in the dirt or fouled off.
   * Always throw overhand.
   * Encourage your pitcher and team members.
   * Catch all fly balls between home and first base, fair or fouled.
   * Try to block all balls thrown in the dirt.

You must be the best in catching all types of throws. Height is an advantage.

   * The foot opposite your glove hand should touch the base as you stretch to catch a ball.
   * Always stretch to catch the ball.

   * Be ready to cover second base on steals.
   * Cover first base when the ball is bunted by the batter.
   * Back up or cover first base when balls are hit to the first baseman.
   * Catch all fly balls behind the first baseman.

   * Try to develop a good arm and a fast response.
   * Block all hard-hit balls. Take your time and make good overhand throws.
   * You must be alert for a bunt or slow-hit ball. Charge it, Grab it, and then throw. Do not throw while moving.
   * Catch all fly balls between home and third base, fair or foul.
   * Be sure third base is covered when the ball is hit elsewhere.

   * Be the leader of the infield and help wherever you can.
   * Call out who is to catch fly balls.
   * Cover second base when the ball is hit to first baseman. Second baseman, or right fielder, and when someone tries to steal a base.
   * You should back up or cover third base when balls are hit to the third baseman.
   * Catch fly balls behind third baseman.

   * You mush be fast and a sure fielder of fly balls.
   * Be the leader of the outfield. Keep others on their toes and help them on their plays.
   * Try to catch all balls hit in your direction.
   * Charge ( run in quickly ) to field ground balls.
   * Throw the ball as soon as you can, never hold onto it.

For these positions you should be a good hitter and an adequate fielder with a good hitter and an adequate fielder with a good arm.

   * Try to catch every' ball in the air. Anybody can catch a ball on a bounce.)
   * Charge all ground balls.
   * Get rid of the ball as soon as you can.
   * Back up all bases in case of wild throws.