What makes a good outfielder

After 16 years of playing professionally, Doug retired and took a position as a Major League scout with the Colorado Rockies for 2 years. I never knew about the crossover step or landing on your toes.

That will help me alot thank you. Hi im dalton brown16yrs old. This really helped me i am tryin out for outfield and so far its goin good. I appreciate the advice this is great!!

Hey, I am 18 and from Australia and will play my first baseball game this summer with my local club in victoria Australia. This advice was gold because it answered every question I had about being an outfielder who knows with these tips I may become something one day hahaha but really thank you for this fantastic advice. I love your insider tips and have a question regarding the proper techinique for catching flyballs.

My son is playing 12U travel baseball and has a new coach this year who is stressing that he uses two hands on every fly ball. He has been sucessfully catching with one hand, shoulder high and out in front of his body with his throwing hand close by to make a quick transfer with a crow-hop release.

Is it right for the coach to make blanket statements stressing two hands instead of one? I have always stressed that the footwork is more important than catching with both hands. This is a very nice place to get the edge back, to remember a lot of the things that I have forgotten over the years. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting. How to catch a fly ball, ready position, crossover stepping, best route to the baseball, and other pro tips for how to play outfield The tips on this page for how to play outfield will help you create a foundation of knowledge and technique that will make you a better outfielder, maximizing your natural talents and helping you go as far in this game of baseball as you can.

Former Red Sox Outfielder Jonathan Van Every believes the three essentials of being a good outfielder are: Get a good initial read Get a good first step Take a good route to the baseball. With a runner on 2nd base and a ball hit that takes you to your right or left a few steps, throw to second.

Base hits that are hit right at you take a chance and try for the runner at home. Landon Botma on October 1, pm. These two-way players make it impossible to be benched and it should be something that all aspiring ballplayers should strive for. Take these certified tips from CoachUp on how you can be a better baseball outfielder:.

The worst thing that can happen to an outfielder is not being ready when the ball is hit their way. Therefore, it's important to be mentally prepared at all times. There are many ways an outfielder can ready themselves to spring into action.

Interacting with your teammates is a great way to do this. When the pitcher gets ready to deliver, you should get in an athletic stance. You will see the infielders crouch low in anticipation of a ground ball when the pitcher gets set. Since you are further away, crouching like an infielder is unnecessary. However, bending your knees and getting on the balls of your feet is a good step in preparation -- you never know when or where the ball could be hit to you.

The secret to an outfielder making a good play is in their first move when the ball is hit. Your first step should almost always be behind you. This is because it is much easier to make up ground in front of you than it is to chase a ball hit over your head. This dictates where the ball should be thrown after successfully fielding it.

A ball is more likely to reach the outfield in the majors than it is for Little League. However, the outfielders still need to pay attention to the game in every level of baseball. Luckily, most balls going to the outfield are in the air for long enough that the player will have time to react. This constant communication minimizes the chance for error. There is no perfect formula for any position on the field.