Nanolive Articles - http://article.nanolive.com
Tips In Better Baseball Defense
http://article.nanolive.com/articles/135834/1/Tips-In-Better-Baseball-Defense/Page1.html
Jim Brown
By Jim Brown
Published on 08/21/2008
 
Defense is as important as offense. Without better defense, your opponent can outlay your efforts and you will only go home frustrated because you can't do anything. Well perhaps not that you can't, but you lack what it takes to get the defense ball rolling properly.

Defense is as important as offense. Without better defense, your opponent can outlay your efforts and you will only go home frustrated because you can't do anything. Well perhaps not that you can't, but you lack what it takes to get the defense ball rolling properly. If you are an infielder, your position is very vital because you need to cover most of the entire field. You must have what it takes to put up the best infield defense.

1. You need the right attitude. You need to think and strive to be involved in every field out. Having this right attitude would include wishing and hoping all ground ball will be delivered right through your hands and will result in an out every minute you touch that ball hit. If you develop this right attitude in every game you will leave no room for errors and mistakes. Your team will have every chance to win the game. Your confidence will push you to the right direction and will have good attitude of thinking that you can throw the runner out no matter what it takes.

2. You need to have good perception. This would mean being able to read where the batted ball will go not only after the hit but also during the hit. You senses should always be alert and active for you to be able to know this. However, this is easier said than done. You need a lot of training not only to your physical abilities but also train your senses. But for a start, you need to practice this during your batting practice to have that first hand learning.

3. Learn how to have good rhythm with every ground ball. This is also quite a very hard but important role. Having that sense of timing to arrive where and when the ball will be is not an easy task. You should be flexible enough and fast enough or better yet faster than the ball itself. You can accomplish by practicing movement first by either going slow or going fast. You need to move. You need to be ready to go left, right, front or back all the time. There is no room for you to commit mistakes. Your position defines what you need to do.

4. Learn the good way of field mechanics. The major thing as an infielder should keep in mind is to be always in position, a ready position, no more, no less. You need to check every step you take. There are different mechanics for every infielder. It is different for each one depending on how they approach the ball. But whatever they may be they need to always be in the right position. That alone would take you a step higher in your play.

5. Have the plays right in your very own hands. You need to get that ball and make every play like yours. You should learn how to erase tension and feel comfortable with yourself because once you step on that field, there isn't time for you to read tips. You go out there and play, play with all your heart until you are going to explode. That is your role.

As an infielder you are required to make each play a success by putting your runner out. Anything less is not acceptable. You should be a very good sport at your own league. This alone and you will become a food infielder.