3 Softball Tips for Outfield

Just a quick note including 3 Softball Tips for Outfield

1.  Get "Behind the Fly Ball

Often times I see outfielders camped out waiting for a fly ball to come down and when it does, they are catching the ball directly above their head (instead of overhead, but in front of them) OR they are catching the ball while leaning back with most of their weight on their back leg because they didn't get "behind" the ball.

Catching the ball in this type of position makes the transition to getting throw off longer and can possibly weaken the throw back into the infield as well.  Hustling to the proper position and getting "behind" the ball so you can step into the catch (and get your momentum moving forward toward your target) makes for a quicker (and likely stronger) throw back into the infield.  Obviously this is very important when you are trying to gun down a tagging baserunner who is trying to advance to the next base.  It can definitely be the difference between getting the runner out or allowing the runner to safely advance to the next base (or even score).

While this sounds quite simple, it can sometimes be easier said than done and is certainly something to emphasize with every fly ball in practice. If a player has enough time to jog over to catch a fly ball or "camp out" for a bit before catching it, they have enough time to get into an ideal position to make the catch while properly setting up to make a strong, accurate, and quick throw in.

2.  Know When to Field the Ball Off to the Side

If an outfielder is coming up on a ground ball, often times you'll see them field it off to the side of their body.  In the right situation, this is a good thing, but you have to know when to use this technique and when to take a "safer" approach.

If the ball is still moving quickly or if you are AT ALL unsure of the bounces or hops the ball is taking as it comes toward you, you should keep your body behind the ball (vs trying to field the ball off to the side of your body) to make SURE that you can make the stop.

Remember, as an outfielder, you are the "last line of defense."  Most times, there is no one behind you to back you up if you miss the ball. Almost any miss in the outfield means extra bases for your opponent and that's never a good thing.

It's best to save fielding a grounder off to the side of you for when you are certain of the hop OR when it's a "Do or Die" situation anyway.  In other words, when coming hard and using that approach is the only chance you have to stop the winning run from scoring at the plate.  Using any other "safer" approach would mean the run scores and the game is over anyway.  Obviously, if that's the case, you just gotta go for it!

3.  Full Sprint Required

If for some reason you happen to misjudge a fly ball or flat out miss a grounder and allow a ball to get by you in the outfield…

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS

…did I say ALWAYS?

Yeah, ALWAYS chase after that ball at a FULL SPRINT!!!

One of the most frustrating things to see is an outfielder who just made a mistake in the outfield compound that by not hustling after the ball they just missed (often because they are too busy sulking or feeling sorry for themselves about the error while the play is still going!).  Do not, EVER, under any circumstance do this!  Don't even allow yourself to do it in practice because if you do it in practice, chances are you'll do it in the game.

Always hustle and be at your top speed after any ball that you're chasing to the fence or anywhere else on the field.  Remember, base runners are running at their top speed around those bases while you chase the ball down.  If you're jogging while they're sprinting, you're giving them the opportunity to advance much further than they should, possibly even score.  Don't let that happen because of you!

These outfield tips are not rocket science, but these are 3 areas where costly mistakes are commonly made. These are also areas that are often overlooked in practice for various reasons.  Make sure you don't let these "little" things bite you in the butt on game day because you don't put enough emphasis on them in practice.

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