Baseball is America’s pasttime, and is becoming popular around the world as well. If you want to know more about this sport, you’ve got to really do some research so that you can improve your game. This article contains information you can use to get better at baseball, whether you play it for fun or competition.
To the Fence, Not Over
To build up your batting average, shoot for hitting the ball at the fence, not over it. You should try to get the ball to come back to the place it came from. Most ball hit into the air are easy to catch.
Outfielder Communication
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.
Know Your Lead Speed
If you’re into stealing bases, practice taking leads off of bases. Taking leads means you need to know not only your own speed, but also the speed of the pitcher’s pick off move, the speed of his delivery to the plate, and the speed and accuracy of the catcher’s arm. There’s a lot to consider that’ll affect how much lead you take.
Its Not Cliche to Keep Your Eyes on the Ball
Keep your head up, your eyes level and focus on the ball when batting. You should be looking over your front arm. If you shift your eyes or move your head, your rear shoulder will shift in reaction. Remaining focused on the ball and keeping your head immobile will give you better timing and more consistency.
Bat Weights
To improve arm strength and gain a steadier swing, purchase some bat weights and practice with them regularly. By working out with a heavier bat than you will use when at the plate, you will able to boost accuracy, refine your batting abilities and become a key contributor to your team’s fortunes.
Square Up to Catch
When fielding a ground ball, square up on the ball before catching. Many young players go for a side glove catch or a one-handed grab, but with each you are increasing your chances for an error. If you’ve got the time to get in front of the ball, do so. Use both hands and bend at the knees to help block against a bad hop.
Stride is Crucial
Your stride is a crucial aspect of baseball. Use your left side for leverage if you swing righty. If you bat left-handed, you will lift your right leg. When a pitch comes close to you, begin striding about a foot forward to build up a bit of momentum towards that pitcher. Those who are younger or smaller should stride a little bit less than that.
Changing Directions
Learning how to change directions is important for outfielders. If you are playing the left side of the outfield and need to run towards centerfield, cross your right foot across your left foot and power through the step. This technique will help you gain the maximum burst of speed from the beginning of your run.
Always Follow Through
When swinging a bat in baseball, make sure that you follow-through with your swing. Your bat’s momentum, whether or not there is contact, helps you follow through. Without following through, there won’t be much power since the swing may slow down prior to making contact. This is why the follow-through is essential.
Glove Care
It is important that you care for your baseball glove. A baseball glove should be broken in before you try to use it in a game. This means working the leather and applying conditioning oil to the glove. The conditioner helps the glove be more flexible which allows you to close the glove easier.
Hide the Signs
You don’t want the coach at third base reading your signs when you’re the catcher. Therefore, you should hold your catchers mitt open and covering your left knee. The coach won’t be able to see the signs.
To keep the other team’s first-base coach from seeing the pitching signs that you send from behind home plate, move your right knee up so that it keeps your fingers out of his view. This allows you to send your signs without him seeing them and relaying them to the batter.
Practice Double Plays
Make sure that you and your infield squad mates practice your double plays. Pitcher’s love nothing more than a double play. Infielders can often make a double play. Continue repeating the drills until they are a second nature.
Confidence is High
Approach the batter’s box with confidence. This is easier said than done, especially if it’s your first time being thrown to. A baseball coming in from a pitcher can be a scary thing. But your goal is to not show that fear. Amid the team aspects of this sport, this is a one-on-one battle between you and the pitcher.
Carbs Before the Game
Because there is a quite a bit of energy exerted during a baseball game, you need to fuel your body with energy to help it perform at its peak. This involves stocking your body with protein the day before the game as well as on the day the game will be played. About an hour or two before the game starts, eat something that is a complex carbohydrate to give yourself an extra boost of energy.
Ball Speed
It can really be difficult judging a ball’s hop as it comes your way. It could lay low or it could jump and hit you. But, you should always remain in front of it. Move toward the ball if you are able, and try to judge it on the short hop.
After reading this article, you should feel more confident about playing baseball. Baseball is a great game, and if you use the tips above, you will be a better player and a better team member. However, don’t let this article be the only thing you do to up your baseball game. Do other research so that you can always get better.