Knowing what to do when playing baseball is key to helping your team win the game. There are many different positions and responsibilities, and it’s very important that you learn what those are. You want to be the best player possible as you give it your best, so continue reading.
Whenever you hit the ball in fair territory, run at full steam. Even if it appears like an easy out, you’ve got to give it your all. It may be that the opposing team misplays the ball, or it may take a tricky bounce giving you just enough time to reach base.
Remember that baseball is only a game. Yes, it may be important to you and your team, but you don’t want to let it get you down. Even if you make a mistake, if you keep positive there’s always a chance to correct that mistake. But if you let it bother you, chance are you’ll make another mistake.
Before stepping in to face a new pitcher, take a couple of practice swings while he’s facing another batter. Use the time to measure the pitcher’s timing. This will give you a better opportunity to have a quality at bat against the pitcher. Otherwise, you may be outclassed pretty quickly.
When batting, don’t be afraid to take a few pitches, especially against a pitcher you are less familiar with. Those pitches will give you an idea of the pitchers speed and the ball’s action to the plate. Plus, the additional pitches will help wear out the pitcher over the course of the game. A tired pitcher makes more mistakes.
If you are beginning baseball player, try to avoid using an uppercut at the end of your swing. This is a swing that starts low and ends high. Beginners should use a level swing that betters their chances at making contact with the ball. When your skills get more advanced, you can start re-introducing a little bit of the uppercut for some lifting action for a more powerful swing.
When playing the outfield, practice both calling for a fly ball and backing off if a fly ball is called for by someone else. Miscommunication in the outfield has led to more dropped balls than you can ever imagine, even in the pros it happens. So get your outfield team together and shag flies with the goal of getting your communication down.
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.
If you are playing shortstop, you must learn how to stop ground balls. The technique that works for this type of ball is to place your baseball glove perpendicular to the ground. This allows you to scoop up the ball in one smooth action. Gently squeeze the glove as the ball hits your glove to catch it.
To lay down a successful bunt, keep the head of the bat above the handle. If the head dips down, you are more likely to pop your bunt up. Keeping the head up allows you to bunt the top half of the ball, pushing it down toward the ground.
Sometimes, you will have to bunt when you are hitting. That’s part of being a team player. Sometimes you just need to get a runner moved, and that means you’ll have to make a sacrifice. It’s not as triumphant as a home run, but it is part of winning the game.
Watch the top players play to become a better ball player. Professional baseball players mostly have gotten where they are today because of their skills, their teamwork, and their good attitude. You need all three to succeed in Major League Baseball. Take a page from these players. Study what makes them great, and learn whatever you can from them.
Are you familiar with the different types of baseball bats? A great metal bat ought to be about 3 or more ounces less than the bat’s length. A 34″ bat would probably weigh 31 oz. This formula will help ensure that you are able to hold the bat perfectly perpendicular while swinging.
Keep your baseball card collection in plastic sheets to prevent any damage. This will prevent air from ruining them. Keep them out of direct light to avoid fading. Cards in mint condition are worth a lot more.
Many pitchers prefer a two seam fastball. With this type of fastball, the middle finger and index finger is placed on the seam of the baseball. The thumb is placed between the two seams at the bottom of the ball. This allows the ball to spin seamlessly through the air resulting in a fast ball.
To keep the other team’s first-base coach from seeing the pitching signs that you send from behind home plate, move your right knee up so that it keeps your fingers out of his view. This allows you to send your signs without him seeing them and relaying them to the batter.
After having read through this advice, you are most likely prepared to get out there right now and play. Whether you can do that or have to wait, just remember everything you’ve learned. It’s always important to keep honing your skills as a player, and this article has given you something to work with.
