How much do you think you know about the sport of baseball? Even the greats can always learn a thing or two about how to better their game. So, if you really want to become a better player, then you’re going to have to put in the hard work using the tips provided in this article.
If you’re playing infield and a groundball is hit, always go toward it. Don’t sit there and wait for the ball to come to you. This will help you have a much better chance of getting the batter out and your team will appreciate it. This also applies to outfielders as well.
Sliding is an important skill that many baseball players do not know how to do. You cannot be afraid of the dirt. A perfect slide involves timing. You want your foot to hit the base as quickly as possible. Practice sliding daily until you can accurately judge when to begin your slide for maximum distance.
Always hustle to first base, even if you think you have made an out. You never know what could happen with fielder; he could drop the ball or throw it away. By running as fast as you can, you may be able to get a base hit you did not expect.
Do you have any children or grandchildren that are interested in playing baseball? As in other areas of life, we want to do all we can to help our kids experience success. To develop a quick swing, the hands, wrists and forearms have to be strong. You don’t have to buy expensive equipment to help kids develop better muscle strength. Give your child a tennis ball to squeeze on while watching TV. The tennis ball provides enough resistance to strengthen the hand, wrist and forearm.
If you are a catcher, be sure you are in the proper position when no one is on base. This means getting into a low squat and balancing your weight on your feet’s balls. Get as close to the underside of the bat as possible, but be sure you will not get hit.
Always follow the signs given to you by your manager or base coach. Remember, baseball is a team sport. It’s not just about your statistics. Sometimes the coach may give you a sign you don’t like, but trust in the fact that it’s likely the best move given a lot of different factors.
If you lose a ball game, congratulate the opposing team with sincerity and dignity. Baseball is not a sport for poor losers. It’s very much a team sport and camaraderie. If winning wasn’t in the cards today, work harder to beat them the next time. Never take it out on the opposing team through name calling or rudeness.
If the sun is blinding you and the ball is headed straight for you, shield your eyes with your glove. Always keep your eye on the ball. You can raise your glove slightly above the level of your eyes to shield the sun.
Don’t be afraid to get your uniform dirty. Baseball is a game played in grass and dirt. You aren’t playing to 100% if you come out of any game with your uniform as pristine as it was when you first put it on. Make it a goal to get as dirty as possible.
Baseball equipment is important to the sport. Wear a batting helmet whenever you are in the batter’s box, on deck or running the bases. A baseball is a hard object and pitches have been clocked at over 100 mph. Getting hit in the head with this fast moving object can lead to serious medical conditions or death.
Stay relaxed when trying to catch a ball. A stiff hand always leads to a missed catch. To keep your hand relaxed wear the glove until it feels like it is a part of your hand. If the glove doesn’t fit right, you will miss a lot of catches.
Baseball bats come in a variety of lengths, weights and sizes. Consider your height and strength when choosing a bat. A longer bat gives you more reach, while a heavier bat adds power. The size of your hands can help you determine the right diameter for your bat. Swing a few different baseball bats before deciding which one feels the most comfortable for you.
If you feel your swing is too slow, choke up a little bit on the bat. Place your hands so that they are closer to the barrel. Your swing will then be faster and more compact. You will give yourself an advantage over a pitcher who may be faster than you can handle.
Watch a right-handed pitchers left foot so you do not get thrown out on first. When his left foot leaves the ground, his pitch can’t be stopped or he’ll balk, sending you to second.
Listen to your whole body when you pitch. Overusing your arm can lead to a shoulder injury. To help prevent this type of injury, allow recovery time between practices. This lets your shoulder rest every few days which will allow you to minimize injuries.
By now you’re probably ready to get out of your chair and play some baseball right? Well, of course you are! Just be sure you realize that it takes practice in order to make your newly acquired knowledge work for you. So get your gear and get out there to make some of those tough plays.
