I was at a college baseball camp and the head coach evaluated every camper on their fielding position, and i play shortstop. I was the only incoming sophomore there so the rest of the players were juniors, seniors. I went and I did pretty good, every throw was on the money and i fielded the ball cleanly. But as i watched the other players field after me, i noticed that almost every player, after they got the ball took about 3 to 4 more steps toward first than i did, and the coach gave the players who did this above average evaluation scores, while mine were just average. I also had about the same velocity as the other players. When i was younger i was taught to field the ball and have your momentum take you toward first so you would get rid of the ball quicker and you wouldnt need these extra steps toward first to have good velocity. So what i am trying to ask....are these other players doing this wrong or am i?


Ask me questions if you do not understand. Any comments would help, thanks

I think I know what you're talking about, they're trying to shorten the distance of the throw. This is good if you have enough time.

I think I know what you're talking about, they're trying to shorten the distance of the throw. This is good if you have enough time to make the play.

Joe,

Continue doing things the way you are. In game situations, your method is preferred.

In a camp/showcase setting, their method is used to maximize velocity. BUT, in games, they risk a hurried throw or holding the ball too long.

I'm not familiar with the camp/showcase circuit but I suspect redbird5 is correct that things work different. Specifically, I suspect that scouts would look for natural ability - like a strong arm - as opposed to skills because skills can be taught but ability can't.

I teach my travel team players to work around the ball to cut down the angle and to move through the ball as they field it to cut down the distance and keep their momentum. But once the ball is fielded, they are to take no more than 2 steps to make the throw. If you're taking lots of steps, then you're effectively carrying the ball to 1st base while the base runner is running full stride. You will not win that race. Ultimately, in a game situation, you do the most reliable thing that you have time to do.

redbird, thanks for the encouragement. As i am watching the NLCS, i see that jose reyes for the mets and david eckstein for the cards are doing what i am doing, taking about 2 steps after the ball is fielded. My favorite player, derek jeter does this as well. i can see were u are coming from with the higher velocity statement. Thanks for the comments.

A right handed infielder should use right left foot work after fielding the ball when making the throw. More steps takes too much time in higher levels of comp.

The other fielders were taking more than 2 steps? Why don't they just run the ball to first base? 2 steps is all you need.

quote:

Originally posted by joekenn5:
I was at a college baseball camp and the head coach evaluated every camper on their fielding position ... as i watched the other players field after me, i noticed that almost every player, after they got the ball took about 3 to 4 more steps toward first than i did, and the coach gave the players who did this above average evaluation scores, while mine were just average. I also had about the same velocity as the other players. ...

quote:

Originally posted by joekenn5:
... As i am watching the NLCS, i see that jose reyes for the mets and david eckstein for the cards are doing what i am doing, taking about 2 steps after the ball is fielded. My favorite player, derek jeter does this as well. ...

I know for a catcher, the benchmark is pop-time, then velocity. If the catcher took a step or two, he could bump up his velocity but his pop-time would suffer. I would think it would be the same for fielding. Sounds like the head coach may be working off some bad information. I commend you on not just buying into his mindset and going to video of the best to determine how it is really done.

thanks GFK

A catcher and infielder are not the same. If a catcher took a couple of steps he would not be able to throw out the runner. If a fielder takes a couple of steps on a routine grounder he still has time to throw the runner out, plus he has shortened the distance of the throw.

Our players are always taught not to double pump. Even fielders one hop the ball.

quote:

Originally posted by nd943:
A catcher and infielder are not the same. If a catcher took a couple of steps he would not be able to throw out the runner. If a fielder takes a couple of steps on a routine grounder he still has time to throw the runner out, plus he has shortened the distance of the throw.

The fielder may not be able to throw him out after taking a few steps...it all depends on who is running.

I played IF at a fairly high level and have never heard anyone advocate "taking a few extra steps". Get rid of the ball as soon as posisble.

Joekenn5, I too was a middle infielder and was drafted as shortstop 3 times professionally...I also have had the pleasure of coaching present Major leaguers David Wright(Mets),Mike Cuddyer(Twins), B.J. Upton( Devil Rays)all where high school shortstops and I've had the pleasure of watching redbird5 and working with him as a young man and he could throw leather and was quick out of the holster and accurate. IMO redbird5 and shermanreed have echoed what I was taught,have taught, and heard taught from Johnny Pesky to Cal Ripken but your boy Derek Jeter said it best in Tampa this past spring when i heard him say this about feet and fielding...(pre-pitch)Right/Left into ready postion..(ball hit-charge)Right left fielding position...(field and gather )right left throw...This is the exact same thing that Tampa Bay is working so hard with Upton with. David Eckstien just put on a clinic in the world series of charging balls and right/left foot work or two step throwing.

Go back and look at Brocks Robinson, Some of the action in the playoff's and World Series.
For Backhanded Set Throw, With hardly any step's.
Thing of Beauty.

http://brooksrobinsontribute.com/70%20World%20Series.htm

Check out the video highlight's of Brook's on this site.
A true hot corner baseball player. EH

Right/Left footwork both pre-pitch and fielding is something I have advocated for years. Some have questioned that, but those at higher levels would agree that it also leads to a better throwing position with momentum going toward 1st base.