Fielding ground balls is not as easy as some athletes make it look!

It does seem to come easier or more naturally to some players but, on the average it is a very difficult skill that is not easily mastered and often overlooked. Learning to field ground balls takes practice and learing it correctly plays a big part in how fast a player can develop.

For young players the biggest obstacle to overcome is FEAR. It usually only takes one "Bad Hop" to put fear in their minds. So it is highly recommended that balls hit during the initial stages be carefully measured so fear is minimized from the beginning.

Here are few points to consider when teaching young players as well as seasoned players to field ground balls properly.

• Read The Ball Off The Bat....This really helps the player to concentrate on the ball. Judging speed and direction of a hit ball can really help a player get into the optimum position to field the ball correctly.
• Big Hop/Small Hop.... There are easy ways to feild ground balls and having the ability to read and position yourself to "glove" the ball on the Biggest Hop or the Smallest hop will surely make things easier. A "Bad Hop" is that one that is right in between. Small hops are reffered to as "short hop" where the ball bounces right in front of the glove. Big hops are reffered to as "Long Hop" Because the ball bounced higher and stays in the air longer.
• Foot Position At Point Of Contact.... this is for balance and body position when the player actually catches the ground ball. Postioning the body with the "glove foot" slightly forward.(glove foot simply means the foot on the same side as glove ie.right handers this would be the left foot) Glove out- receiving the ball as close to the glove side as possible. Always remember to keep your feet moving to attain the proper position. Weight on the balls of your feet to keep weight slightly forward.
• Shuffle Feet In The Direction Your Throwing to.... This is a great way to put your body in the correct position to deliver the ball acurately. It goes hand in hand with the Foot Position whe you have fielded the ball. When done correctly it is almost effortless to correct your body position from this point. Small, quick steps will make the transition easier. Glove side shoulder in-line with your target.
• Making The Throw With Confindence.... This is where lots of practice comes in. Having the confidence in making a hard, accurate throw is what increases a players ability to get better much faster. But, without the proper techniques, having a strong arm does no good if the target can't be reached.

Learning how to properly field ground balls is an ART in itself. It can be very rewarding for both Player and Coach,(as well sas the proud parents). "If At First You Don't Succeed, Try And Try Again" You have all heard this before and it is still the best way I can think of to get the message across that practice does work, but more importantly...practice correctly. Do your best as a coach or player to learn these drills correctly and perfect them.