Have you ever played baseball before? Maybe not but you’re just a really good fan? Perhaps you don’t know how to play but want some information to help you follow the game? No matter your reasons for being here, the following article has something for everyone to learn about baseball, so keep reading!
Learn how to hit a ball without chasing it by using a batting cage. A batting cage allows you to hit the ball as hard as you can without worrying about an errant ball going through a window. The batting cage has mesh sides so the ball is easily recovered.
There is a lot of sprinting in baseball. Whether you need to steal a base or run to home plate, sprinting is essential. To help increase the speed of your sprinting, run short drills. Time yourself running from home plate to first base. When you begin, power off to gain the maximum speed.
When hitting, make sure you put your weight on the back foot more than the front. Why? Your body acts like a coil when hitting. When you go to hit the ball with your weight properly managed, your body will unload like a spring. That gives you a ton more power.
Sliding is an important skill that many baseball players do not know how to do. You cannot be afraid of the dirt. A perfect slide involves timing. You want your foot to hit the base as quickly as possible. Practice sliding daily until you can accurately judge when to begin your slide for maximum distance.
During tryouts, be friendly and respectful to everyone. It always pays to be polite to the new coach and fellow players no matter what kind of team you are trying for. This behavior will demonstrate that you are a mature individual and will stand you in good stead for the future.
Learn how to use cut-off men when playing the outfield. With your adrenaline pumping, you may feel like you can throw that ball clear to home plate, but cut-off men are typically the better choice to make. Getting the ball back into your closest infielder will give your team a better shot for an out. The shorter throw means a more accurate throw.
If you are a catcher, be sure you are in the proper position when no one is on base. This means getting into a low squat and balancing your weight on your feet’s balls. Get as close to the underside of the bat as possible, but be sure you will not get hit.
Pick the right bat. Pick out one that is not too heavy for you. Beginners should use lighter bats. It is pretty rare to see someone swing a bat that is “too light” because there is a trick called “choking up” to make bats lighter. This involves placing hands about an inch or two up the bat.
Listen to your base coaches. They have a better view of the field than you do when you are on base. Do not run unless they tell you to run. Also, while running, keep your ears open to your coach. He may need to tell you to slide into base.
You must pay attention to those base running coaches as you are rounding the bases. They are able to see the entire field. Focus on the bases when you are running, not on the ball. The bases should be your eyes. If they tell you to pull up, then pull up at the base closest to you. If they are telling you to go, run full speed ahead.
After reading the above article, you are now able to follow a game of baseball more closely. The tips in this article should give you motivation to be a better baseball fan, and really pay close attention the next time a game is on. Remember to keep learning about the game so your enjoyment only continues to grow.
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