The center fielder has priority over every other fielder on all fly balls. Anything they think they can catch they should call for and make the play. On balls hit to left or right field, the center fielder should go … Read more

Priorities The left fielder gives way only to the center fielder on balls they can get to. They should go toward the infield calling loudly for the ball if they can catch it. They should go quietly toward the center … Read more

Where do they Play? The third baseman has a long throw to first. If they are playing behind the baseline the throw not only has to be strong and accurate but quick. Only hard hit balls will be routine plays. … Read more

Where do they Play The shortstop has a long throw to first. Therefore they play just a step behind the baseline. If your shortstop has an unusually strong arm and/or the batter is a power hitter, the shortstop might back … Read more

Where do you Stand? The second base man lines up deeper than any other infielder. The throw to first is short and the second baseman backs up second on attempted steals of second. Also, since the first baseman is rather … Read more

Covering the Base The second rule of defense is to cover a base. If the first baseman cannot get the ball they will usually be covering first base. In children’s baseball the throws are often inaccurate. This puts a premium … Read more

Equipment Helmet The catcher’s helmet should cover the entire head. The foam rubber padding inside should give full coverage of the skull and ears. The face mask may be attached to the helmet or not but must rest comfortably on … Read more

Control The essence of pitching is control. The pitcher holds the ball more than any other player. This gives the pitcher control of the game’s tempo. The pitcher controls when the pitch is thrown, where the pitch is thrown, how … Read more

On the Way to First When the batter swings the bat they should start running to first base. If there are less than two strikes there is no penalty for starting toward first when the ball is not hit or … Read more

Physics and Technique The power of the swing depends on the amount of energy transferred to the bat by the batter. The greater time one spends accelerating the bat the more energy (speed) one can give the bat. The harder … Read more