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- Backing up bases goes un noticed about 80% of the time – until there is an overthrow or a ball kicks away from an infielder. This is the time that backing up gets noticed and will keep the runners from moving up to the next base. You are the safety valve, the ball can’t get by you.
probaseballinsider.com/baseball-instruction/outfield/outfield-backing-up-plays/Outfield Positioning: Backing Up Plays - Pro Baseball Insider
Backing up bases goes un noticed about 80% of the time – until there is an overthrow or a ball kicks away from an infielder. This is the time that backing up gets noticed and will keep the runners from moving up to the next base. You are the safety valve, the ball can’t get by you.
- Pitcher
- Catcher
- First Baseman
- Second Baseman
- Shortstop
- Third Baseman
- Left Fielder
- Center Fielder
- Right Fielder
It’s pretty much a given that the pitcher will be backing up third base or home plate depending on the play. He should split the third base line and then back up third or home based on where the play develops. Furthermore, the pitcher should look to block any openings to dugouts (or other out of play areas) so as not to allow a runner to advance be...
Catchers have it fairly easy. Usually, they need to stay at home and cover the plate. However, with nobody on base, many coaches teach their catcher to trail the batter if he hits a ground ball in the infield. This will allow him to chase down any errant throws that get by the first baseman.
With nobody on base, the 1st baseman should look to back up second base if a ball is hit into left or left center and the runner is looking to make it a double. Outside of this situation, the 1st baseman usually needs to stick around the infield as a cutoff man for balls hit into center or right. If he is not the cut off man, he can help back up ho...
The 2nd baseman is usually the back up man on a steal attempt where the shortstop is covering second base. He should also back up first base during bunt plays when the pitcher, catcher, or 3rd baseman is making the play.
Again, during a steal attempt where the 2nd baseman covers the base, the shortstop should back up. This is the same for steal attempts at 3rd base. If there is a runner on third, the shortstop should also make his way behind the pitcher when the catcher throws the ball back after a pitch. You never know when a catcher might be a little nervous and ...
The 3rd baseman will usually only back up second base on a base hit to right field when there are no other runners on base. Though rare, the third baseman should also be aware of a wild throw from the 1st baseman to the pitcher after a pickoff attempt.
The left fielder needs to back up second base on throws from the right fielder. He also should back up the shortstop and 3rd baseman when the catcher throws to 3rd base on a steal attempt. Furthermore, he should look to back up the center fielder on balls hit to center field.
The center fielder needs to back up his fellow outfielders when the ball is hit to their respective fields. He is also another back up man for plays made at 2nd base.
The right fielder needs to back up first base on ground ball plays in the infield, pick off attempts to first base, and bunt plays. He should back up the center fielder on balls hit to the center field, and he should back up second base on balls hit to left field when the left fielder throws it to second. This is by no means an all inclusive list o...
- Drifting. Drifting is the lazy way to go after batted balls. Too many outfielders try to "time" the catch by drifting to the ball, mostly for style points.
- Off-Balance Throws. Almost all off-balance throws are poor throws. They are neither accurate nor strong. And they are usually the direct result of improper crow-hops.
- Side-Striding & Backpedaling. Side-striding is where the player's shoulders are not facing the intended catch zone. This reduces their speed to the ball.
- Not Charging the Ball. Charging hard to the ball takes focused practice, just like other aspects of outfield play. It's easy to get your outfielders to charge the ball, but much harder for them to do it correctly.
Primary responsibility is to back up the infielder fielding the ball or second base if the ball is hit back to the pitcher and a double play will be attempted. After the ball has been fielded, move into a position to backup up any play that may be made at second base.
Feb 24, 2016 · Cutoff and backup responsibilities are teamwork in action. Nine players moving at the same time for the purpose of advancing the team. I’ve created a guide that covers 15 primary scenarios (five different hit types to each of the outfield positions).
Sep 23, 2023 · Backing Up Bases: Outfielders must be adept at recognizing potential base advancement situations. By backing up infielders during throws, they prevent overthrows from reaching the stands or fence, minimizing the risk of extra bases and maintaining control over the situation.
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Sep 9, 2013 · Why Positioning is Important. Hitters are taught to drive the ball "Gap to Gap", "Back up the Middle", and "To the Opposite Field". The advent of aluminum bats has forced pitchers to command the outer half of the plate and to utilize off-speed versus the fastball in many instances.
