Ready Position
The ready position is an athletic position and begins with the feet spread just wider than the shoulders.
Knees should be bent with toes facing the hitter.
Glove hand and throwing hand are belt high and ready to make a play.
CREEP STEP- players should walk into the ready position by taking two small steps. This creep step is two small steps that begin as the pitch is being thrown. The sequence is throwing side foot first followed by the glove side foot step. This move helps keeps players weight on their toes and able to move towards the ball (charge) upon contact.
The goal is to be in an athletic position ready to react quickly when the ball is hit.
The most important rule for ground balls is to ensure that the ball never gets underneath your glove! The glove needs to get dirty and needs to start down and can always move up as the ball dictates.
Two hands work together. Glove hand underneath the throwing hand. The throwing hand keeps the ball in the glove and then can quickly pull the ball from the glove to make a throw.
The two hands should be extended out, towards the ball. The body should be in front of the ball with one foot on each side of the ball but the ball is picked up out in front of the body.
The back side should be low with the knees bent.
The back creates a table top (see the picture of Trevor Story above).
The head is up and extended towards the ball. DO NOT let the ball pass your line of vision and get to your feet.
Keep the ball in front of your body and adjust to the hop and bounce of the ball.
The goal is to field the ball with your glove and glove foot close together.
By having the glove and glove foot close together to catch the ball, we are now in position to make a TWO STEP throw.
Once the ball is fielded, the player can make no more than two steps. The throwing foot steps first towards the target but opens up at 90 degrees. This move allows for the second step - this time with the glove foot that steps and swings the body to a square position towards your target.
