It's always important to move to the ball and use two hands.
Fielding in Fastpitch Softball is no different then fielding in other sports, even baseball.
Here are some simple tips on fielding both as a player and as a coach teaching fielding.
To field a Softball properly simply follow these important steps:
Line up your belly button with the ball and keep it in front of you. Get your glove all the way on the ground and be ready to cover the ball once it is in your glove, with your throwing hand. You must always move your body to the ball so if the ball is at your right then simply side step to the right and do the same to the left if the ball is on your left. If at all possible it is important to charge the ball. To charge the ball means that you go to the ball instead of just waiting for the ball to come to you.
The best fielding position for someone playing 1st or 3rd is: Have your tail down, not sticking out or up in the air, and have your legs more then shoulder width a part. Have your glove on the ground and your throwing hand near by.
The best fielding position for someone playing 2nd or short is: Exactly like the above position but at these positions it is smart to do a creep in toward the batter to get the fielder moving and on their toes.
The best way to practice fielding as a team is: To have your infield working together running drills while your outfield is working some where else running drills and then bringing the groups together. If one coach tries to work with all 9 players at the same time for the whole practice, each girl will get less practice and less balls hit to them, thus lowering the teams overall performance.
Outfielders are often overlooked as a necessary part of a team. This is a very big mistake because a centerfielder is one of the most in demand positions by colleges and one of the top four most likely to get a scholarship offer.
The best way to practice fielding as an outfielder is: To work on following the ball and lining up your body. I always recommend taking a step back with your dominate foot whenever a ball is hit first before deciding weather to run in on the ball or back or off to one side or the other. To often you see an outfielder run in as soon as a ball is hit and then it goes over their head. It takes a split second to take that back step and yet it can get you moving back in case you need to run backward but it also gives you a moment to think before over running a ball.
For further tips on fielding or to ask a question or set up a lesson with Candice, simply call (303) 809-1502 or send an email to SoftballCO@gmail.com
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