Baseball fielding fundamentals

Be ready before every pitch

The most common reason a ball gets past a young fielder is that they were not ready. The ready position is the same for almost every fielder.

• Feet a bit wider than shoulder-width, knees bent, weight on the balls of the feet.
• Glove open and out front, hands relaxed, eyes on the batter.
• A small hop or step as the pitcher releases the ball, so the player starts balanced and can move either way.

Before the pitch, a good fielder also thinks, "If the ball comes to me, where does it go?" Knowing the plays ahead of time is half the battle. Our guide to baseball positions shows who covers what.

Fielding ground balls

1. Move to the ball. Get in front of the ball rather than reaching to the side.
2. Stay low. Bend the knees, not just the back, so the glove can get to the ground.
3. Glove on the ground, in front of the body. The glove should meet the ball out in front, with the throwing hand ready to cover it.
4. Use two hands. The throwing hand sits on top of or beside the glove to secure the ball and speed up the transfer.
5. Funnel the ball in toward the middle of the body as you come up.
6. Step and throw toward the target.

A popular memory aid is "alligator hands": the glove is the lower jaw, staying down and out front, and the bare hand is the upper jaw closing over the ball.

Catching fly balls

• Take a quick first step, often back, since balls hit in the air tend to carry farther than players expect.
• Get under the ball and catch it above the head or in front of the throwing shoulder with two hands.
• Keep your eyes on the ball, and avoid running backward in a straight line if you can turn and run.
• Call it. Shout "I got it!" loudly and early, and listen for others calling it. Beginners often collide when two players go for the same ball.

In general, the player who has the best angle on a ball calls for it, and outfielders have priority over infielders because they are moving in and can see the whole play. Teams should agree on this before games.

Throwing

An accurate throw uses the whole body, not just the arm.

1. Grip: hold the ball across the seams with the first two fingers and thumb, and keep it in the fingers rather than jammed in the palm.
2. Turn sideways: point the glove-side shoulder toward the target.
3. Step toward the target with the front foot.
4. Throw through the target, finishing with the arm moving down and across the body.

Always warm up before a game or practice by throwing at easy distance and gradually working up. Stopping when anything hurts is a good habit for every young player. For more on this, see arm care for young pitchers, which applies to all throwers.

Footwork and angles

Good fielders rarely stay on their heels. A few small habits make a big difference. Take a step or two toward a ground ball rather than waiting for it, because a ball that bounces at an awkward moment is easier to handle when it is caught on a short hop or on a long one, not in between. Use shuffle steps to stay in front of the ball, and keep the body square to the target when possible. Outfielders should learn to take a good angle to a ball hit in the gap, running to a spot where they can catch it and throw in one motion rather than chasing it in a straight line.

Each position adds its own twist. Catchers block balls in the dirt, first basemen stretch for throws, middle infielders turn double plays, and outfielders throw to cutoff players. Start with the shared basics above and add position skills once the fundamentals are solid.

Communication and backing up

Strong teams talk. Fielders should say what they are doing and where the play is. Shouting the number of outs, the base to throw to and who has the ball helps teammates who are still learning.

• Back up throws and balls hit to teammates. If a throw gets away, someone behind the play should be there to stop it.
• Know the force. Before the pitch, remind players where the force is and what the plan is on a hit ball. See baseball rules for beginners for force plays and tags.
• Cover the base. A throw to an empty base is a wasted opportunity.

Common mistakes

• Standing up too early. Pulling the glove up before the ball arrives makes the ball skip through.
• Catching with one hand. Great for highlight reels, but unreliable for beginners.
• Looking away from the ball. Eyes should stay on it until it is in the glove.
• Rushing the throw. Catch it first. Many errors happen because a player looks at the target before the ball is secured.
• Throwing to the wrong base. Knowing where the play is before the pitch avoids this.
• Not communicating. Collisions and dropped balls often come from silence.

Easy ways to practice

Many fielding skills can be practiced safely at home or at practice with soft balls and a partner.

• Roll balls slowly to a player in the ready position, so the player focuses on form.
• Play catch with a focus on stepping and throwing to the chest.
• Toss fly balls underhand from a short distance, gradually increasing the distance.
• Run "what if" drills: before each pitch, ask the team where they will throw if the ball is hit to them.

Our guide to running a youth baseball practice shows how to fit short fielding blocks into a session.

Sources and further reading

1. Infield Drill Progression Little League
2. Tee Ball Drills: Fielding Little League
3. The Basics: Fundamental Baseball and Softball Skill Development Series Little League

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Frequently asked questions

What is the correct fielding position in baseball?

Feet wider than the shoulders, knees bent, weight on the balls of the feet, and glove out front. The player stays balanced and ready to move either way.

How do you teach a child to catch a ground ball?

Have them get in front of the ball, stay low, put the glove on the ground and use two hands. Start with slow rolls and add speed later.

Who calls the ball when two fielders go for a fly?

Usually the player with the best angle calls it, and outfielders have priority over infielders. Agree on this as a team before the game.

Why does my child keep dropping fly balls?

Common causes are taking their eyes off the ball, catching with one hand, or starting late. Soft balls and short tosses help build confidence.

Should beginners use two hands when fielding?

Yes. Two hands secure the ball and make the throw faster and more accurate.