Good tip if you're taking a grounder (especially if you're hesitant/afraid) is to count the bounces it takes to get to your glove. It gets you more focused on the path of the ball and where it may go next, as well as taking your focus off of the fear of missing it/it hitting you, etc.
I am using your videos with your permission to train and coach players in our league in Toronto. I will be using your name and link for all to see and use. This is such a great tool for all of our players. Thanks so much, Chris
CXVDesign, the 2 to 6 o'clock still works on bad fields, the KEY is keeping your chest up but your eyes locked onto the ball. Baseballs always can take a bad hop, but if you're in the proper fielding position and the ball "kicks up," it should hit your chest and you can absorb the blow and keep the ball in front of you. Your hands are also key, they're OUT IN FRONT so if the ball takes a bad hop they can move together to try and recover. -Coach Matty
Pedroia's speed to the ball can be attributed to his taking advantage of some trainable physical movements: 1) move towards the hitter prior to pitch 2) begin your hop before bat strikes ball 3) time your hop to be at 'top of hop' at ball contact 4) read the direction before hitting the ground 5) Load your offside leg before landing 6) Explode that loaded leg just before landing, 6) Practice, practice, practice
Great point that a lot of youth coaches don't seem to understand. The ready position needs to be a position from which the fielder is alert, focused on the hitting zone, and can attack the ball in any direction at contact. Head up instead of head down is another great point. Then replacing the glove with the throwing side foot to maintain rhythm. Great video.
As a Division I centerfielder, my head coach told me to field a routine ground ball like a short stop, and NOT to go down on a knee. Now, this is subjective. Some coaches believe getting down on one knee protects the ball, others see it as a risk that the ball could take a bounce and leave you in an un-athletic position, causing an error. I'd say that at younger levels, go down to a knee, the better you get, the QUICKER you want to field the ball and get it back to the infield! -Coach Matty
First time I've ever left a comment. Very informative and detailed. Thank you for taking the time. I've seen hundreds of videos to improve my coaching for the kids and this is the best fielding video I've seen!
this video was really helpful, I always wondered about the 2 - 6 o clock hand postion... what I didnt really know about was bringing your body to the ball instead of bring the ball to your body. nice tips! will apply to my workouts!
Great point spederton, a LOT of outfield and infield philosophies are in direct correlation with each other. Especially with understanding MOMENTUM and how you can use your body to increase the velocity and accuracy on your throws. -Coach Matty
You should do a video on how your arm action or armposition should be varying on your position. Alot of kids dont know exactly how how to increase velocity by having their arm and holding the ball a certain way depending on position.
Ally, keeping your chest and head up puts you in a more athletic fielding position. Stand up, and try to keep your chest down but your head completely up, it will strain your neck. Also, if the ball takes a bad hop, having your chest up will enable you to block the ball and keep it in front of you. If you're chest is down, the only spot that the ball could hop up and hit is your face, and that's no good! If you have any more questions message me! -Coach Matty
Chris, That sounds fantastic. Thanks for helping to spread our ProSwing philosophies! Let me know how it works and the success it entails... we'll have a string of new videos coming out soon! You'll be the first to know! -Coach Matty
that usually comes down to your pre pitch routine. Knowing what to do with it, how fast your runners are, and the situation. the only way to help you "calm" you nerves is expecting the ball hit to you and what to do with it.
Jewelz, the basics and fundamentals of fielding a groundball is the same for all infield positions. So yes, you can use this. However, when it comes to covering first base, turning double plays, and fielding bunts, first base is very different! I'll make sure we create a first base video soon! -Coach Matty
typically if you play a corner position I was taught to have a one two squat. This means you go "right left squat". corners should do this because first and third will get the ball faster off the bat. where middles have more range and don't really expect the ball hit right at them.
I am coaching a 9UA team full of new players. These drills are simple and excellent!!! Cannot wait to try these out at practice. Think I will test them at home with my sons to make sure I can teach them as easily as shown. Thank you for doing this video. Loved it!!! Shout out to FBSA in Frisco, Texas- Go Orioles!!!
Hey Matty got any advice for a rusty high school baseball player? I played from elementary to middle school, and now I would like to get back into it. I'm primarily a First-baseman/Outfielder. Your videos have been great help so far.
Tiduhl, my best advice is to start with our "Top Gun Throwing Series" video, it lays out progressive steps to increase arm strength, velocity, and accuracy. If you still want supplemental drills after viewing that, message me! -Coach Matty
Finally decided to leave a comment, but I put this video in my favorites and i watch it every now and then, I've watched it about 10 times and Im a jv starting shortstop and all star starting shortstop and I think I'm pretty good. But before this video I wasn't very good at all. Thank you.
Very true! As a New Jersey guy living in Kentucky, and working with my boy in Little League, it's nice to hear my fellow North Easterners. Moreover, this is great instruction.
Mr. Rick James I'm glad you liked the tip! You have the most excited comment I've seen! (That's a lot of exclamation points!) Let me know what other kind of videos you'd want to see! -Coach Matty
Jordan, thanks for the great comment! Bringing your body to the ball is a very underplayed part of fielding a ground ball. Creating a constant movement and rhythm as you field a ball is extremely important! If you ever have any baseball questions or concerns, don't hesitate to message me! -Coach Matty
Agreed. Have become a much better at 3rd (softball) thanks to this instruction. Guys give me a hard time for this ready stance, but it's far more effective and efficient than starting down and low.
ever heard of wallball? go to your local school and just practice throwing the ball of the wall.... here are some drills: fielding ball off left side backhand rake backhand pick and stick forehand (getting ball in front of left foot) on the run
I have a question on the tall baseball ready position. I thought, such as in football or athletism, that the down position was there to be able to accellerate properly to the ball. Yes you will get up a bit, but it slows you to get to far balls no? I'm not a baseball specialist but I'm really curious about technique since I play slowpitch softball! Thanks a lot!
Does the 2 to 6 o'clock hand position for fielding apply also when you play on really bad fields? We play on fields that arent the most well kept, are rock hard and ball sometimes take really bad hops, and we dont want the ball hitting us in the face. Would the alligator be better? Any suggestions for that? Thanks man, love the videos!
Since I joined my baseball team 5 years ago my coaches have been telling me to touch the floor with my glove and catch the ball like an crocodile but good thing I'm stubborn and have an attitude so i didnt listen to them and thanks for the tip
Don't say that! If you practice this video enough... you'll be great. If you need help, let me know, I'll get together some other drills for you. -Coach Matty
I agree with most of what he said except for the idea of trying to maintain an equilateral triangle between the legs and hands when fielding, this idea is also a myth. This is only possible if the ball is hit hard directly at a player such that he is able to get into a position where he can wait for the ball to come to him without charging the ball or ranging to the left or right as the ball is fielded. However, in a real game a player will usually be fielding the ball while on the move. When fielding a ball on the move it is better for the legs to be in their natural narrow position as opposed to being spread out, this position allows a player to more easily twist his body and move his arms laterally in case the ball takes an unexpected hop. When a player goes down to field a ball it is ideal for the glove side leg to be behind the glove as the ball is being fielded. From there it is easier to step and throw after fielding the ball, compared to if a player fields the ball with his feet spread out, where he now has to pivot before the step and throw.
@ProSwingNY hey Matty i need help with pitching i watched your pitching vids but i feel like for my age i throw slow because i am 16 and i throw like 62 so any tips to gain more velocity?
um hi my name is jack and baseball tryouts are april first for me and I wann try out for second basement I don't get that much time to go to a batting cage but theres no moe practice before then and im a pretty good catcher not the position but im not that good at grounders and I don't think im a good batter wat should I do
Did You Ever know that The Eyes must follow the ball all the way into the pocket of the glove including the grip. Chin must get chest.Your knees are in the same stance you would use playing defense in basketball. Stay low and don't straighten up as you will lean back and your throw might go high. You have better control if you stay down. My bare hand is beside my glove again for better control and balance.
Good stuff! I work with 6 and 7 year olds. The problem I have is them getting down to late or not bending at the knees enough. I don't know if it is fear of the ball or just not breaking soon enough. I think it is probably both. I have one player who was hit in the mouth and he never gets down on the ball. He will do his best to keep the ball to the side of him so if there is a hop it has no chance of hitting him. How do kids protect themselves from this happening. Fear of the ball has destroyed this kids fielding. I told my kids that the non glove hand should be used as a cover up over the ball in the glove but also a shield for the face. Is this wrong? Any suggestions from anyone is appreciated.
A Vick, my son plays shortstop and 2nd base and is the only kid on his team that wears an infield mask. He's the only one also that is never scared to field a ball. they aren't afraid when they know their face face won't get hit. hope that helps
Thanks! I thought of this but they said they think the kids will make fun of them. I just removed their face mask on there batting helmets for that same reason. We have been working on it and they are getting better. I finally told them it can and will happen but you will live.
Angel Camacho Camacho But you have to stand up to move, so instead of wasting that time moving back up, you're already moving towards the ball, lest wasted time
Love Jerry, taught me everything i know, use and still teach to this day. Turn me from a raw talented Short Stop to a fundamentally sound one.
Good tip if you're taking a grounder (especially if you're hesitant/afraid) is to count the bounces it takes to get to your glove. It gets you more focused on the path of the ball and where it may go next, as well as taking your focus off of the fear of missing it/it hitting you, etc.
I am using your videos with your permission to train and coach players in our league in Toronto. I will be using your name and link for all to see and use. This is such a great tool for all of our players. Thanks so much, Chris
CXVDesign, the 2 to 6 o'clock still works on bad fields, the KEY is keeping your chest up but your eyes locked onto the ball. Baseballs always can take a bad hop, but if you're in the proper fielding position and the ball "kicks up," it should hit your chest and you can absorb the blow and keep the ball in front of you. Your hands are also key, they're OUT IN FRONT so if the ball takes a bad hop they can move together to try and recover.
-Coach Matty
Pedroia's speed to the ball can be attributed to his taking advantage of some trainable physical movements: 1) move towards the hitter prior to pitch 2) begin your hop before bat strikes ball 3) time your hop to be at 'top of hop' at ball contact 4) read the direction before hitting the ground 5) Load your offside leg before landing 6) Explode that loaded leg just before landing, 6) Practice, practice, practice
Great point that a lot of youth coaches don't seem to understand. The ready position needs to be a position from which the fielder is alert, focused on the hitting zone, and can attack the ball in any direction at contact. Head up instead of head down is another great point. Then replacing the glove with the throwing side foot to maintain rhythm. Great video.
best coaching baseball videos on the web. thank you guys
As a Division I centerfielder, my head coach told me to field a routine ground ball like a short stop, and NOT to go down on a knee. Now, this is subjective. Some coaches believe getting down on one knee protects the ball, others see it as a risk that the ball could take a bounce and leave you in an un-athletic position, causing an error. I'd say that at younger levels, go down to a knee, the better you get, the QUICKER you want to field the ball and get it back to the infield!
-Coach Matty
First time I've ever left a comment. Very informative and detailed. Thank you for taking the time. I've seen hundreds of videos to improve my coaching for the kids and this is the best fielding video I've seen!
This is a genius demonstration.great concepts this helped me so much
this video was really helpful, I always wondered about the 2 - 6 o clock hand postion... what I didnt really know about was bringing your body to the ball instead of bring the ball to your body. nice tips! will apply to my workouts!
So many rubbish videos out there but this is clear, helpful and detailed. Fantastic work
Great point spederton, a LOT of outfield and infield philosophies are in direct correlation with each other. Especially with understanding MOMENTUM and how you can use your body to increase the velocity and accuracy on your throws.
-Coach Matty
You should do a video on how your arm action or armposition should be varying on your position. Alot of kids dont know exactly how how to increase velocity by having their arm and holding the ball a certain way depending on position.
Ah, thanks man, I really appreciate it, our season starts up soon, so I'll use this info and see if I have any new questions. But thank you very much!
Great tips!!! I am usually a 2nd baseman in the game And these tips helped a lot!!!!!
Ally, keeping your chest and head up puts you in a more athletic fielding position. Stand up, and try to keep your chest down but your head completely up, it will strain your neck. Also, if the ball takes a bad hop, having your chest up will enable you to block the ball and keep it in front of you. If you're chest is down, the only spot that the ball could hop up and hit is your face, and that's no good! If you have any more questions message me!
-Coach Matty
Chris,
That sounds fantastic. Thanks for helping to spread our ProSwing philosophies! Let me know how it works and the success it entails... we'll have a string of new videos coming out soon! You'll be the first to know!
-Coach Matty
that usually comes down to your pre pitch routine. Knowing what to do with it, how fast your runners are, and the situation. the only way to help you "calm" you nerves is expecting the ball hit to you and what to do with it.
i am 12 and this has really inproved my fielding i play sortstop and pithcher tahank you these help soo much
Excellent video. Thank you!.
Jewelz, the basics and fundamentals of fielding a groundball is the same for all infield positions. So yes, you can use this. However, when it comes to covering first base, turning double plays, and fielding bunts, first base is very different! I'll make sure we create a first base video soon!
-Coach Matty
Thanks! Let me know if you use these tips in your game... I bet you'll start throwing out ALL base runners!
-Coach Matty
typically if you play a corner position I was taught to have a one two squat. This means you go "right left squat". corners should do this because first and third will get the ball faster off the bat. where middles have more range and don't really expect the ball hit right at them.
wow best fielding tips I ever saw, gotta show this to my coach because he taught this wrong..... thanks!
Best fielding advice on the net!
I am coaching a 9UA team full of new players. These drills are simple and excellent!!! Cannot wait to try these out at practice. Think I will test them at home with my sons to make sure I can teach them as easily as shown. Thank you for doing this video. Loved it!!! Shout out to FBSA in Frisco, Texas- Go Orioles!!!
same city 😏FBSA is a great place to start baseball
Shannan Swyers
mo
wow - i'm a little league coach, and was using some of these myths. thanks for debunking them. great video
Love this video. Best I have seen on fielding. Same way Ozzie Smith was demonstrating fielding except you added more details. Again Loved it
Hey Matty got any advice for a rusty high school baseball player? I played from elementary to middle school, and now I would like to get back into it. I'm primarily a First-baseman/Outfielder. Your videos have been great help so far.
i use this same exact method and i start on my 13u competitive team. i play shortstop.
Thanks this video helps me a lot
Tiduhl, my best advice is to start with our "Top Gun Throwing Series" video, it lays out progressive steps to increase arm strength, velocity, and accuracy. If you still want supplemental drills after viewing that, message me!
-Coach Matty
Finally decided to leave a comment, but I put this video in my favorites and i watch it every now and then, I've watched it about 10 times and Im a jv starting shortstop and all star starting shortstop and I think I'm pretty good. But before this video I wasn't very good at all. Thank you.
Great video perfect instruction , and he has a great New York accent lol
good point...cherry on top
Very true! As a New Jersey guy living in Kentucky, and working with my boy in Little League, it's nice to hear my fellow North Easterners. Moreover, this is great instruction.
!!!!!!AWESOME!!!!!!!
Thank you ^^
thank you great vid
Awesome!!
Mr. Rick James I'm glad you liked the tip! You have the most excited comment I've seen! (That's a lot of exclamation points!) Let me know what other kind of videos you'd want to see!
-Coach Matty
Thanks I'm a kid and im a allstar now
Jordan, thanks for the great comment! Bringing your body to the ball is a very underplayed part of fielding a ground ball. Creating a constant movement and rhythm as you field a ball is extremely important! If you ever have any baseball questions or concerns, don't hesitate to message me!
-Coach Matty
this video helped me a lot (i'm 3rd baseman)
Agreed. Have become a much better at 3rd (softball) thanks to this instruction. Guys give me a hard time for this ready stance, but it's far more effective and efficient than starting down and low.
Fantastic video! Ty!
proswing is beast
Awsome stuff very very good video
nice ima baseball player myself and i think u have great tips =D
ever heard of wallball? go to your local school and just practice throwing the ball of the wall.... here are some drills:
fielding ball off left side
backhand rake
backhand pick and stick
forehand (getting ball in front of left foot)
on the run
Can you give me some tips on how to increase my throwing accuracy?
I have a question on the tall baseball ready position. I thought, such as in football or athletism, that the down position was there to be able to accellerate properly to the ball. Yes you will get up a bit, but it slows you to get to far balls no? I'm not a baseball specialist but I'm really curious about technique since I play slowpitch softball!
Thanks a lot!
Great Video
Does the 2 to 6 o'clock hand position for fielding apply also when you play on really bad fields? We play on fields that arent the most well kept, are rock hard and ball sometimes take really bad hops, and we dont want the ball hitting us in the face. Would the alligator be better? Any suggestions for that? Thanks man, love the videos!
awesome video
Since I joined my baseball team 5 years ago my coaches have been telling me to touch the floor with my glove and catch the ball like an crocodile but good thing I'm stubborn and have an attitude so i didnt listen to them and thanks for the tip
Awesome video!!!
Awesome! Would these same technics work for girls 9u softball?
i was wondering if this apply to first base too. can someone please tell me thanks
Don't say that! If you practice this video enough... you'll be great. If you need help, let me know, I'll get together some other drills for you.
-Coach Matty
I agree with most of what he said except for the idea of trying to maintain an equilateral triangle between the legs and hands when fielding, this idea is also a myth. This is only possible if the ball is hit hard directly at a player such that he is able to get into a position where he can wait for the ball to come to him without charging the ball or ranging to the left or right as the ball is fielded. However, in a real game a player will usually be fielding the ball while on the move. When fielding a ball on the move it is better for the legs to be in their natural narrow position as opposed to being spread out, this position allows a player to more easily twist his body and move his arms laterally in case the ball takes an unexpected hop. When a player goes down to field a ball it is ideal for the glove side leg to be behind the glove as the ball is being fielded. From there it is easier to step and throw after fielding the ball, compared to if a player fields the ball with his feet spread out, where he now has to pivot before the step and throw.
L
While fielding a ball, I get head up, but I don't get what chest up means. Could someone help me?
@ProSwingNY hey Matty i need help with pitching i watched your pitching vids but i feel like for my age i throw slow because i am 16 and i throw like 62 so any tips to gain more velocity?
Well, it's 5 Months later, I just wanna know, how'd ya do? Did you make the team?
I use to use a different position.
even as a lefty do you catch the groundball on the inside of left foot or does this apply just for righties?
Nice
um hi my name is jack and baseball tryouts are april first for me and I wann try out for second basement I don't get that much time to go to a batting cage but theres no moe practice before then and im a pretty good catcher not the position but im not that good at grounders and I don't think im a good batter wat should I do
^ what a bro
I always bend down instead of the triangle
Did You Ever know that The Eyes must follow the ball all the way into the pocket of the glove including the grip. Chin must get chest.Your knees are in the same stance you would use playing defense in basketball. Stay low and don't straighten up as you will lean back and your throw might go high. You have better control if you stay down. My bare hand is beside my glove again for better control and balance.
Jack Toth NH 5t Y 6Y moĺa request p
Since I'm a lefty would it be "6 o clock to 9 o clock"?
6 to 10
Good stuff! I work with 6 and 7 year olds. The problem I have is them getting down to late or not bending at the knees enough. I don't know if it is fear of the ball or just not breaking soon enough. I think it is probably both. I have one player who was hit in the mouth and he never gets down on the ball. He will do his best to keep the ball to the side of him so if there is a hop it has no chance of hitting him. How do kids protect themselves from this happening. Fear of the ball has destroyed this kids fielding. I told my kids that the non glove hand should be used as a cover up over the ball in the glove but also a shield for the face. Is this wrong? Any suggestions from anyone is appreciated.
A Vick, my son plays shortstop and 2nd base and is the only kid on his team that wears an infield mask. He's the only one also that is never scared to field a ball. they aren't afraid when they know their face face won't get hit. hope that helps
Thanks! I thought of this but they said they think the kids will make fun of them. I just removed their face mask on there batting helmets for that same reason. We have been working on it and they are getting better. I finally told them it can and will happen but you will live.
That awkward moment when everything your coaches have ever told you turns out to be a myth
Squash the bug boy!
seriously bro. lol
Alright... Now I know why I'm spiking the ball to the ground while I'm throwing to first.... :O lol
I have another workout for that on my channel search "Ty Shoultes"
subed
That is not how you get in ready position. You have to be low so you can go left right backwards and forward.
Angel Camacho Camacho But you have to stand up to move, so instead of wasting that time moving back up, you're already moving towards the ball, lest wasted time
OK
Bad tip to ALWAYS attack the ball. Sometimes you need to receive the ball and be negative.
U have to see the top of hat
Mia sheets that's another myth
I just noticed i suck at fielding lol
illuminati confirmed.
lol
Well I am like so many other people I've been lied to
Coo
They have little league baseball in Canada? Only thought it was popular in America well little league anyways.
This doesn't make much sense. because you'll generate more power to move left to right, front and back with your body low.
I was being lied to my whole life.
100 coment
NO CREEPER STEP? and you say hop? hop ? hop ? lazy ball !!!!!!!
wrong
This is not very helpful