If baseball is your thing, then it’s important that you always strive to be a better player. This not only takes you further with the game, enabling you to have more fun, but it also helps the team effort. So, get prepared to do your part and learn more about baseball.
Talk to other people about your goals. When you talk to people about your baseball goals, you are more likely to meet them. A great idea is to join a forum for baseball players and get to know people who are as passionate about baseball as you are. That way, you can share experiences and suggestions about how to get better.
If you play an outfield position, be sure you and your fellow outfielders have proper communication skills. When a ball is popped up into the outfield, it’s important to know who will be going after it. If you cannot get this straight, the ball could end up dropping or you could collide with your teammate.
Keep your head up, your eyes level and focus on the ball when batting. You should be looking over your front arm. If you shift your eyes or move your head, your rear shoulder will shift in reaction. Remaining focused on the ball and keeping your head immobile will give you better timing and more consistency.
Hustle hard! Your teammates should look to you as a model and try to imitate your work ethic. People who lead by example have a much stronger presence in the clubhouse. Be someone who your teammates look up to and want to follow.
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.
When fielding a ground ball, square up on the ball before catching. Many young players go for a side glove catch or a one-handed grab, but with each you are increasing your chances for an error. If you’ve got the time to get in front of the ball, do so. Use both hands and bend at the knees to help block against a bad hop.
When the ball is pitched, you must be in a position to run. This means that you should be standing with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder width apart. This stance will ensure that your are ready to take off as soon as the bat makes contact with the ball.
The grass in the outfield affects how ground balls roll. Lines in the grass could cause the ball to change direction. Pay attention to how grounders roll so you will know where the baseball will roll to.
Practice sliding during every practice session. Sliding is one of the harder skills to master in baseball. For those that aren’t well-practiced, a slide can look very awkward. It can even be downright dangerous, not only for you, but also for the defender. Take the time to become a pro at it for the safety of everyone involved in the game.
Practice bunting, even if you are a power hitter. Bunting is a bit of a lost art in baseball. The idea is to simply tap the ball into play, taking the infield, pitcher and catcher off-guard. This is a smart tactic to move a teammate over from first to second or to even score an infield hit. A power hitter bunting is so unexpected that it really can be effective.
Becoming that star baseball player, or at least feeling like one, is within reach. All you have to do is continue to work on your talent and skills by continuing to learn new techniques. Take what you’ve learned out to the field and give it a try so that you can be a better player.
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