I've been taught two different ways to back hand a ball by two players who played at division one schools. one says to hinge forward as you get the ball and one says to give with the ball. The coach that tells me to give with it said that the other way is "stabbing" at the ball. Is it tottally opinion? does it really matter which way you do it? Are there any other thoughts?

You can do it either way. I prefer the "hinge forward" as you mentioned. The reason why is it helps to get the front shoulder and body turned towards first base more quickly IMO.

The give with the ball method is ok, but the fielder really has to plant and push with the right leg when throwing as the momentum is taking you farther into the hole with the "give" method.

It is taught both ways, so it really is preference. My main teaching point with the backhand is that the fielder gets pointed around to first base (if that is where throw is going) and that they get momentum back into their throws and follow instead of drifting towards the hole when throwing.

Use both methods. They are for 2 totally different balls.

"Giving with it" is the standard back hand. This is used for a ball you can barely get to/. In this method, your L foot (assuming you are a RH thrower) crosses over your R foot as you receive the ball. In this method, you are stretching as far as you can to get to the ball.

"Hinging forward" is a method I call "V cut". This method is used for balls you can get to easily but cannot quite get around them to get your momentum moving to 1B for the throw. It is called a V cut b/c your path is in the shape of a V relative to the path of the ball. Your R foot is planted and your L foot is open towards 1B as you receive the ball. Your wrist, however, shouldn't "hinge" but should remain firm as your weight rocks from back to front. You should look like you are trying to read the wrist band of your glove as you field a GB in this method.

I hope this helps.

Right on RedBird. Both methods can be employed depending on where the ball is hit and how you approach it.

I have a question about foot positioning. I think everyone did a great job explaining the two types of backhands. My question is if it is the type where you can plant (but can't field through the ball) do you want your right foot forward or does it matter?

In the barely get there do you try to plant a specific foot or do you just catch it and plant the right ASAP.

What I teach is right foot planted with left foot ready to go towards first. That is when you have time to get there. If you have to get there in a hurry then bust your rump and plant ASAP.

I always teach my infielders to work through the baseball, rather than giving with it. It seems to me that if a first baseman is going to work through the ball on throws in the dirt, then why wouldn't an infielder fielding a ground ball?.?. Don't let the baseball gain ground. If you work through the baseball, and get the short hop, when a long, candy hop is not an option, then the effect of a bad hop will be minimized. I'm interested to hear everyone else's opinion.

www.blastbat.com

A lot of the times isnt backhanding just instincts and reactions?

Buy "Perry Hill, Ultimate Infield"...Perry Hill is widely known as the best infield instructor on the planet.....he discusses the "routine" backhand....it is very basic but very helpful....

Gents:

I love this topic. Having been an infielder and believing my backhand was my biggest asset, I agree that both techniques are good to teach and use. That said, I caveat that to all players I teach. The V-cut is pretty darn hard to do if you play on sub-par fields (like most HS and travel ball fields). Unlike the pros/colleges and the fields they play on, hops can be very unpredictable and when that's the case, trust your hands and go with the "Cushion" or "Give" technique. The V will leave you exposed when fields are bad.

quote:

Originally posted by coach2709:
I have a question about foot positioning. I think everyone did a great job explaining the two types of backhands. My question is if it is the type where you can plant (but can't field through the ball) do you want your right foot forward or does it matter?

In the barely get there do you try to plant a specific foot or do you just catch it and plant the right ASAP.

What I teach is right foot planted with left foot ready to go towards first. That is when you have time to get there. If you have to get there in a hurry then bust your rump and plant ASAP.

Coach, I teach the following:

In v-cuts, the left foot is opened toward 1B a little....as you rock forward, you shuffle and throw.

In the "barely get there", you mention....the left foot crosses over in front of the right (in order to extend your glove hand farther). To throw, you simply plant with your right and throw.

quote:

Originally posted by SSmiddleinfield2B:
A lot of the times isnt backhanding just instincts and reactions?

Backhands are sometimes instincts but knowing the correct technique allows you to get off a better throw. Footwork is one the most important aspects to IF play, IMO.

I was having this same debate with several of my coaches who taught one or the other of the 2 techniques. So i went to a red sox/ orioles game and in the infield practice miguel tejada and edgar renteria both gave with the ball. But it seemed more naturual to me to go get the ball and kind of scoop it. I had to work to be able to give with it, but the more i think about it and work at it, it seems like getting to the ball as quickly as possible and putting the pocket of the glove on the ball are the best thoughts for me.

This is a great thread and has been very helpful!

Thanks to all!