Outfield "Grass Queens"

This is the place for Outfield specific play.

It is said that infields win games, and outfields win Championships. We cannot stress enough that having a great outfield can and will make or break games. There is no more of an exciting play than an outfielder throwing the winning run out at home, or making a game saving diving catch.

Communication between outfielders is one of the most important aspects of playing this position. For us coaches, the worst thing that we see is a lazy flyball hit between the outfielders and both of them stop and watch the ball drop between them. General Rule: The Centerfielder has priority, if she is calling for the ball, then the other outfielders must give way and become backup. There are exceptions to this rule however (example: If the ball is hit into the Right/Center Gap, and the runner on 2nd is going to tag up. Even though the Centerfielder is calling for the ball, it may be better for the Rightfielder to take it because her momentum is toward 3rd. In this case, the Rightfielder must call the ball louder so the Centerfielder can hear her).

The above you can see how the Centerfielder gave way to the 2B on a pop up

Being a great outfielder requires "reading" the ball quickly off the bat, tracking the ball and quickly determine if the ball is short or long, and knowing the situation at all times.

Always move through the ball, don't get caught "camping" under a flyball. Once you determine the flight of the ball, remain about 3 steps behind the ball and time your catch so you are moving forward.

BASE HITS

If there are no runners on, you can ensure the ball doesn't get behind you by fielding this way

If runners are on, remember your throwing 2 bases ahead of the runner. If the runner starts at 1B, your throw is going to 3B, if the runner is starting at 2B, your throwing Home. Field the ball on the outside of your glove foot in order to come up to a good throwing position.

Once you field the ball, you can do crow hop, drive step, or pro step whatever you feel comfortable doing. The point is getting your weight really moving forward to make a strong throw.

 Make an accurate throw to either the base, or the cut-off. DO NOT throw a short-hop, either make it all the way there, or have a nice 1 bounce. Short hops are the hardest type to field and typically are the throws that get by the infielders.

TO DIVE OR NOT TO DIVE, THAT IS THE QUESTION

Everyone likes to see a great catch in the outfield, the crowd goes wild and your teammates are jumping on you. Diving for balls in the outfield is a risky move, but depending on the situation it may be the ONLY choice.

You should dive when you need to, but be aware of certain situations where perhaps you should'nt dive. For example, if the game is on the line and there is a runner on 2B with less than 2 outs, you shouldn't dive. Let it drop and keep the runner at third. With 2 outs.... GO FOR IT

If you find yourself where the game is on the line, and diving for a ball is the ONLY choice to attempt to get the 3rd out, here is how it is done.

The Approach

When the ball is hit, drop step toward the side it is hit to (First move is ALWAYS back).

As you are tracking the ball you see that it is starting to descending short start moving forward sprinting with glove tucked.

When you approach a ball that is descending quickly start lowering you body by bending your knees deeper and deeper with each step (do not slow down when doing this)

With your last two steps you will extend both arms toward the ball and lean your chest forward.

On your last step before going into the dive, push off your glove side foot, then you are airborne.

Move your Glove

There isn't too much of a difference between diving for a ball that is in front of you, and diving for balls hit to your sides. You will take the same approach and sprint to the ball, but you will need to angle your glove differently depending on where the ball is hit. You will also need to dive at an angle to the ball.

Ball is directly in front of you - Catch the ball in front of you, the web of the glove and your fingers will be under the ball, pointed forward

Ball is hit to your left - When you stick your arm out to catch the ball, palm of the glove is facing the ball. Catch the ball in the web, the pinky finger should be about parallel to the ground

Ball hit to the Right - When you stick your arm out to catch the ball, turn your wrist so that the palm of your glove faces the ball. Catch the ball in the web, your thumb should be parallel to the ground.

The Sliding Catch

Sliding to make the catch is the same as a figure 4, or pop up slide when stealing a base.

NOTE - The front foot must remain up to keep from getting your cleats caught in the grass

The slide catch allows the player's body to remain upright and is able to focus on tracking the ball into the glove.

The body position allows the player to block the ball with their body, should the player commit and not be able to make the catch.