Category: Infielders

Infield Footwork

This is proper footwork for infielders. Notice how SS and 2B field, then shuffle toward 1B to build powerful, accurate throw.

Harold Reynolds and Bill Ripken discuss proper footwork for a relay throw. Some extra notes:

In the first clip, both OF and INF 1-hop the ball. Both deliver perfect tall hops. In a lot of cases this is just as good as a direct throw. And if its a choice of 1-hopping or overthrowing the cutoff man, you MUST 1-hop
Outfielders do a good job of taking good lines to the ball, and picking it up with their feet in line toward their target
Byron Buxton is a filthy athlete. There is no way he should’ve gotten a glove on the first ball

Great play by Davis off the wall: direct route to the ball, ball spits right out to him. Fields with feet in line with his throw

Simian makes an incredible relay: hips shoulders and feet point toward target, catches ball shoulder high, hands together

If you don’t have the arm strength to put in on the glove directly, throw a 1-hopper. Its quicker than a rainbow.

Fowler, as soon as he realizes its over his head, plays the carom perfectly, moves his feet before catching the ball
2B catches, shoulder-high, with feet moving toward home
Unbelievable focus by Molina to catch the ball with a guy bearing down

Great relay throw by 2b.

Awesome work by the defense.

Great move by pitcher after hold.
1b runs with the ball in his throwing hand held up (no pumping)
SS runs at the runner and catches the ball at full speed (runner has no chance at this point)
SS tags, pops up, and immediately drives runner back to 3b.

Note: 3b runner does a terrific job of shuffling off the base to generate momentum

Note: Simmons (Rundown runner) needs to get the defense to chase him AWAY from home plate to make the tag. Give Calhoon a chance to score.

If Simmons could draw Lindor away from the diamond, the Angels get a run out of this

Pretty good execution on both sides.

Runner steals, then stops short, stays in the rundown as long as he can

SS thwarts the play by keeping his eyes on 3b runner while he chases down the guy in front of him

1st and 3rd plays are risky with 2 outs cause the runner has to score before his teammate gets tagged.

This would’ve been a run for KC if run with less than 2 outs.

This is awful rundown execution. Hamilton hasn’t committed to second. Peoria should be sprinting at the runner when he receives the ball.

Instead, Hamilton dekes, 1b gets rid of the ball, and Pedroia chucks it into the stands.

Nice work by Hamilton, who keeps his eye on second so he’s not surprised. Pretends to commit to second which draws a throw.

If you’re stuck in a rundown, force as many throws as you can. The more you force, the better chance the defense makes an error

This is how you catch a player caught between the bases.

Baez doesn’t throw to a base, runner would be safe at the other bag. Instead, he runs at the stranded runner until/unless he commits. Run with the ball in your throwing hand
Once 1b gets runner moving toward Second, He gets rid of the ball
2b Is running full speed at the runner when he catches the ball. No way the runner gets out of this one.

This is awesome

This is how got you can be if you can play catch. Simmons turns a potential 1st/3rd or 2nd/3rd situation into an out.

Trailing runners should NEVER be quite sure whether the ball’s getting cut or going through.

Infielders: notice how Simmons makes an outside turn on both of these throws. Best way to ensure accuracy and add power.