The objective of baseball is to score one more run than the other team, which translates into how each player must play their position – making every routine play!
The emphasis is the same whether you are playing 7 innings or 9 innings, focusing on the outs [e.g. 21 or 27 per game]. Misplaying a grounder, is giving the other team an extra out and an extra chance to score a run.
So, when the pitcher does his job, you have to do yours. A routine grounder has to be a routine OUT every single time.
The key is quality footwork.
Show me an infielder with quality footwork and I will show you an infielder whose fielding percentage is likely to be 100% every year!
Your footwork makes fielding easier and promotes an accurate throw just by correctly positioning your body. Let your feet position your body to:
- Catch the ball out in front and away from your body
- Automatically align your front shoulder in the direction you want to throw
Again, we are talking routine grounders here, not break dancing!
http://vimeo.com/91228065
Until next Blog,
Al McCormick
