In youth baseball a major problem with players in the field is that they are not ready for the ball that is hit to them. Standing upright, crossing their arms and/or legs, looking away and daydreaming is often evident in kids. This results not only in misplays but can lead to injury for unsuspecting kids.
STANCE
A good defensive stance is one where the player’s feet are slightly wider than their shoulders. The player should always take a step forward as the pitch is being delivered. As they step forward, they should bend at the waist and lower their glove toward the ground, palm open. Their balance should be on the balls of the feet, not the heels. Their weight should be evenly distributed, enabling them to go either left or right.
ANTICIPATION
Players should always expect that the ball will be hit to them. (Yes there are some that will dread this prospect.) Get the players into thinking of situations. Verbally cue individual players with questions. Make them think: “What will I do if the ball is hit to me?” (If a ball is hit on the ground, in the air, a line drive?); or “Where will I throw the ball if it is hit to me?” Where are the base-runners? Constantly repeating this to your players in the field will help to prevent indecision by your players when the ball is hit their way.
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