#SHORTSTOP POSITION HOW TO#

Must shuffle toward second base when the base runner breaks to steal and runs the last few steps when the ball reaches the catcher. Knows not to try to cover two places at once when covering second base on the steal. Is the tandem 2nd man on double cuts on the rightfield side of diamond for extra base hits.ġ2.Ĝovers third base when the third baseman acts as the cut off man lining up for home plate on a single to leftfield and a runner at second base.ġ3. Is the lead cut off man on the double cuts on an extra base hit from centerfield to the leftfield foul line. Playing Shortstop Requires Baseball Smartsġ1. Standing on 2nd base to hold the base runner is not good baseball-too much ground is given up to the hitter. Never gets ‘caught’ out of position when the pitcher delivers the pitch to the catcher at home plate. With two outs will not be as concerned with the runner stealing third base. Returns to position before the pitch when the runner is stabilized and not threatening to steal thirdbase. Gives the pitcher an out-stretched ‘open glove’ and quickly moves toward second base which tells the pitcher to turn and pick-off the runner if the play dictates.ĩ. Walks towards second base when holding runners at second looking to steal.Ĩ. “Be quick but don’t hurry” (John Wooden).Ĥ.Ĝovers second base on the sacrifice bunt with a runner on firstbase.ĥ.Ĝommunicates with the second baseman with an open mouth= you cover, and closed mouth=me cover, to know who is covering second base on the steal.Ħ.Ĝhecks with the pitcher and second baseman to decide who covers second base on the ball hit back to the pitcher on the comebacker.ħ. Knows to make sure to get an out on the lead runner when turning a double play.

#SHORTSTOP POSITION HOW TO#

Use this 25 point checklist as a coaching tool for teaching players how to play shortstop.ġ.Ĝan field the groundball and use the one-shuffle footwork, bow and arrow throw to firstbase.Ģ.Ĝan quickly get rid of the ball, throw the ball hard and accurately to firstbase.ģ. Covering bases, holding runners on and being in position for cut offs and relays are just some of required duties for the baseball short stop.

The shortstop is also essentially responsible to be able to know when and where to go on all situations. Playing shortstop we know is demanding as far as baseball tools go.

The shortstop position is widely considered the most valuable defensive position in the infield, if not on the entire field of play.The baseball shortstop position isvitally important to a team’s defense. Shortstops will typically cover the second-base bag on grounders hit back to the pitcher in double-play situations, as well.Ī good defensive shortstop must possess excellent range, a strong throwing and an ability to field batted balls cleanly. On a ball hit to the right side of the infield, the shortstop must cover the second-base bag and receive a throw from either the second baseman or, less frequently, the first baseman and make an accurate relay throw to first. On balls hit to the left side of the infield, a shortstop must cleanly field the ball and accurately throw it to the second baseman covering the second-base bag. Shortstops are an integral component of turning double plays. If both the shortstop and third baseman are attempting to field the same batted ball, the shortstop will often call off the third baseman. The shortstop is considered the captain of the infield and takes charge on balls hit in the air as well as communication among infielders. The shortstop positions himself between the third baseman and the second-base bag.

Shortstop position