Short Summary
- Coach Justin from Ultimate Baseball Training discusses how to improve as an outfielder.
- Emphasizes the importance of having a proper ready position that is athletic and not stationary.
- Advises staying on the balls of your feet to ensure quick movement and readiness to take an aggressive first step.
- Suggests that while the first step is generally backward, exceptions exist for low line drives where a forward step may be appropriate.
- Encourages young players to prioritize keeping the ball in front of them and offers a drill using a bat on the ground to practice footwork and first steps.
- Stresses the importance of avoiding stutter steps when fielding baseballs and recommends using a bat to help players focus on making one fluid motion.
- Advises players to take an aggressive first step toward the ball and to sprint hard instead of jogging to prevent extra bases from being taken by the opposing team.
- When dealing with a dead ball, players should approach the ball in a throwing position rather than scooping it to avoid fumbling.
- Highlights the significance of cutoff men in redirecting throws, especially when throws might not reach their target.
- Recommends aiming slightly above the cutoff man’s head to ensure the ball descends into a catchable position.
