Baseball is a game loved by countless people all around the world. Whether you’re just a casual fan or a seasoned pro, there’s always more to learn about the game. This article has a variety of tips that will be rewarding no matter what level of the game you’re at.
Slide your weight onto your back foot when you are batting. If you are a right handed batter, this puts your weight onto your right foot, tightening the muscles in that thigh. Upon swinging, added power can thus be gained from the back foot.
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.
Make sure you use the proper grip when hitting a baseball. You should go with a “standard” grip. The middle knuckles of your hands should be on the bat. Make sure the bat is across the callus line of your fingers instead of the back of your palms. This grip betters quickness and bat speed.
The kind of glove you choose to use is crucial. There are gloves made for each position. For instance, a catcher’s glove and an outfielder’s glove vary by shape and size. To ensure you handle the ball according to your position, be sure you are equipped with the appropriate glove.
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.
To be a better player in the outfield, you have to be moving. If you stand in the same position too long, your legs can get tight and you will not be able to run when a ball is headed your way. The best way to stay moving is to take a few steps between pitches.
To help you stay focused on the ball when running towards it, run on your tiptoes. If you run and allow your heel to hit the ground, you will jar your body. This jarring will make your eyes lose focus on the ball. To keep this from happening run on your tiptoes.
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.
The game of baseball allows for improvement at all skill levels. With practice, patience, and by using the tips you’ve just read in this article, you’ll be enjoying and playing the game better than ever. So get your team together, remember what you’ve read here, and you’ll be rounding the bases and heading into home in no time at all!
