what is the proper pre-set positon? right before the pitch? so say to keep your glove out all the time. others just say on the balls of your feet. which is it?

PS im a mid-infielder

The basic concept for the ready position is to be able to move you need to be moving. Think of it like this - when you see a guy / gal getting ready to receive the serve in tennis they are hopping and shifting from foot to foot. Then when the ball is hit they are on the ground with their movement and able to react.

There are two ways to set up for the ready position

1) Step into - play a few steps behind where you want to play and as the pitcher delivers the ball step right foot then left foot and the pitch should be at the hitter when you finish your steps.

2) Jump - get where you want to be and when the pitch is at the hitter you basically "jump" to get moving. It's obviously not a high jump nor do you move your feet very much. I can't really explain it but when you do it right it looks very natural.

So really the two key points is be moving (not a wasted movement either) and make sure you are ready when the ball is at the hitter.

Excellent Coach2709. Not enough coaches or people teach the importance of foot movement and footwork. By keeping moving in small increments its much easier to change direction and momentum. By standing still and sometimes stiffening up, a player will be slower to react. This is a fact and it is well taught in the martial arts as well as most sports.

Not sure about stepping or jumping. Once you do either you are committed.

BFP is the best fielding poition and it requires you to be loose and balanced, Glove side foot slightly ahead of the other foot. Infielders slightly crouched with feet approx shoulder width apart. The great fielders read the ball and only move when they have the feel for where the ball is going and how hard it is hit.
You have to be able to shift from a balanced poition.

Thanks coachric

BHD - not sure what you mean by BFP so could you please explain?

Actually I think we are talking about the same thing just using different terminology to get there. The position you talked about with the balance, glove foot up, feet shoulder width apart and in crouched position is where you should be when the pitch gets to the batter in what I described.

Maybe stepping / jumping aren't the best use of words but that is how I was taught and heard others teach it so I just use it.

Coach27 my point is that you should hsve the glove side foot slightly ahead of the other foot and at approx shoulder width. There should be very little motion once ball is delivered until ball is read coming off the bat. Your focus should be solely on reading the ball. Being in a balanced position allows you to move fluidly in any direction and get to the ball without wasted motion.
This is much like a hitter who moves his bat around just prior to the pitch but then gets in his cocked position and steadies his bat as the ball is delivered.

And I agree with pretty much everything you have said - the glove foot needs to be forward, feet shoulder width apart (or pretty close as long as comfortable), crouched position but I am saying as the pitcher makes a move to the plate you either step to that position or "jump" to that position.

I was at a minor league game last week just before the all star break (Class A) and both teams infielders did what I am trying to explain.

I see high school teams all over my area doing what I am saying. So I know what I am teaching and saying here is correct but I might not be explaining it very well on here.

Let me try it this way - RHP in windup and he starts his rocker step. When he reaches balance point with his left leg in the air and he is on his right foot getting ready to drive home I am saying this is when the fielders need to step right foot and then left foot (LF slightly forward) into their crouch, hands out and ready to move but they are still. This should give them about half a second of no movement while the pitch is being delivered. Then as it comes off the bat they can react.

Right on coach. Its been taught that way over the years, but some players do come to a complete stop. Many of the best fielders of all time have always kept their feet moving as the pitch is released, they then pause a millisecond as they look to change direction, but it may not be noticeable to some. Stopping dead will only take the fielder longer to get going again, and that has been proven in many athletic endeavors.

Coach I think we are saying the samething. Its that half second that allows you to adjust to the ball coming off the bat.

BHD - I'm glad we got that sqauared away.