Infield Basics

 
The best infielders have these things in common:

• Quick hands
• Soft hands
• Quick feet
• Strong legs
• Body Control

Rest Position
This is the time between pitches when nothing is going on
Must be thinking about the situation (outs, runners, score, etc.)
Must know what you are going to do if the ball is hit to you or goes to another player 

Ready Position
This is the time when the pitcher takes to the rubber and begins his wind-up:

• Feet at least shoulder width for a strong base
• Knees flexed and in a strong athletic position
• Weight on the balls of the feet
• Hands extended away from body with glove open and facing the sky
• Slight rocking back and forth or baby steps to stay moving

Getting into Fielding Position
Getting into good fielding position in time and under control gives you the best opportunity to react to the tough hops

Your feet have more to do with being a good infielder than hands
 

Charging the ball allows you to do 2 important things:

1. Cut down the angle and distance that you must throw the ball
2. Choose the hop you want rather than letting the ball play you

The last two steps are the most important when getting into fielding position. They get you in balance, create momentum and get you in the proper throwing position.

Never raise up from the Ready Position

1. Attack ball with glove shoulder
2. Keep glove extended while going to the bal
3. Last two steps are 1, 2 Field – Must be smooth and under control 
4. Throwing foot straight to ball
5. As you go to ball, begin to lower into fielding position (Butt down)
6. Be an airplane not a helicopter

These techniques will put you into perfect fielding position and allow you to handle any type of hop!!!!