im trying out for shortstop on varsity with 2 other kids that are older than me and a little better, but i need to make the position. its either that or the bench for me. even though im pron 3rd string right now, i feel like if i work very hard i will be able to play ss. I really need some drills to make me better in the next couple weeks. anything at all, be creative. thanks.
Posts: 88 | Location: Lintonville | Registered: April 13, 2004
Most SS's have the ability to play many positions. Many coaches say they would like to get SS's to fill other positions. Be open minded and flexible, willing and able to play anywhere to help team. Have a positive attitude and work harder than everyone else. Be the first one there, last to leave, helping w/o being asked. Do the best that you can and that's the best you can do.
Posts: 285 | Location: Flint, Michigan, USA | Registered: March 05, 2003
Work hard to have quick feet and soft hands. This is where it all starts. From there, work hard on developing your fundamentals. Don't try to do everything in one day. Pick one or two areas each day and arrive early or stay late and work on it.
Posts: 213 | Location: Iowa | Registered: July 28, 2005
My son played ALOT of wall ball.... down in the basement with a tennis ball ...sometimes barehanded. he would turn double plays using 2 walls. Made diving catches,worked on short hops. He did this several hours a night for years!! All that practice turned him into a pretty slick fielding ss
Posts: 1176 | Location: NJ | Registered: December 30, 2002
It's simple. Just practice.Practice.Practice. Find someone to hit you ground balls. Such as slow rollers, hard hit balls, etc... Also, being a shortstop you always have a lot of ground to cover on a ball hit deep in the hole so work on foot speed and hand work (quick transfer of ball from glove, to hand, to ready throwing position.
I have always urged players, especially my middle infielders to play "wall-ball" when they have free time. It is an excellent way to work on foot speed and reaction speed.
Posts: 36 | Location: Louisiana | Registered: November 07, 2007