Playing the outfield has a persona at the youth level that turns some youngsters from enjoying the game of baseball, but many of the great Major League Baseball players played in the outfield. The reason is that they get stuck in the outfield because they struggle with throwing, fielding, and/or catching. Outfielders are vital members of helping a team win games on defense. They have the opportunity to make momentum changing plays like Ryan Braun or Mike Trout (above).

Playing the outfield at the youth level can help maximize other skills that can help ball players that play multiple positions. How to judge a soft line drive, a high pop with the swirling wind, know how to hit your cut man, the importance on going back on a baseball, and communication. Let’s get to work and learn how to become the best outfielder we can be.

The are many different ways to field a ground ball depending on many factors. What is the situation of the game, where are the baserunners, how many outs are there, how hard is the ball hit, and what direction was it hit. Being able to deceiver all of these factors in a short period of time can help with preventing runners from advancing to the next base or bases.

Fielding the ball hit right at you can be fielded a couple different ways depending on the situation. No runners on base can be fielded on one knee, like an infielder, but always ready to make a strong throw to your cut man or base. Looking at the pictures below shows the positions using these two methods.

After getting comfortable with fielding the ball that way, we want to start practicing the fielding the ball with our left foot forward. This allows us to square our shoulders and get ready to unleash a rocket of a throw as we accelerate our right foot ahead. Plant and get a throw off quicker to our target and prevent the runner from advancing or throw them out trying.

All of us that have been in baseball and played in the outfield have heard a coach tell us to get behind the baseball. Sometimes they might say it, but not explain what they mean. This makes players frustrated since they may feel like they are doing it right. So, what does it mean to get behind the baseball?

Getting behind the baseball means to have a good judgment on a fly ball and where we will make the catch with our momentum moving towards are target. This allows us the ability to build up energy and transfer all of it into our throw. You will see in the pictures below how the outfielder is starting to move forward to where the ball will be and transition into a throwing motion towards his target.

Most outfielders don’t have the luxury that most infielders do when it comes to catch fly balls. We have to run after the ball in the gap, in front, or over our heads. The key with making sure we can catch the ball when it is anywhere in the outfield is to run with our glove down until we are ready to make the catch. This will help us with reaching our top speed as we run after the ball. As we get closer to the ball, we will want to extend our glove out to catch the ball. You will see in the pictures below that all the outfielders are running with their gloves down and tracking the ball all the way into their glove to make the catch.

On deep fly balls that make it all the way to the wall. We want to have our glove or throwing hand out to help us get a sense of where the wall/fence is at. This allows us from crashing into the wall/fence and getting hurt in the process, but we also will rely on the help from our fellow outfielders with telling us how close we are or if we have enough room. Otherwise, you may end up with a face full of fence or wall.

Diving and sliding catches are amazing plays to see or make from a defensive stand point but pose a high risk high reward play. The reason for saying that is the outfielder making the play is the last line of defense and most of the time the other outfielder is not in a position to back them up. If your outfielder chooses to make a diving or sliding catch, they will need to make sure they at least knock the ball down and does not go past them too far if they miss. A soft line drive or pop up that is shallow is the best balls to perform one of these risky catches.

Weather can be a tremendous adversary for an outfielder during a game. Think about the times you have had to play in the scolding heat of summer and have to deal with the sun on a fly ball. The changing of day to night and trying to find the ball when the ball blends in with the sky, or have drizzling rain and rain drops falling into your face or eyes. These are just a few examples of what outfielders have to deal with when it comes to catching a fly ball, but don’t forget about dew on the grass.

All of these elements can make fielding in the outfield more difficult. If you know how to properly use your glove to block the sun or take short strides to prevent slipping on the grass can help the adventure of fielding easier. It is sometimes a good idea to practice in weather that isn’t ideal to help prepare you for future occurrences during games. 

To finish, outfielders are an interesting breed of athlete when it comes to defense. They have the freedom to run at top speed and make a diving catch, make a 200-300-foot throw to nail a guy at the plate, or leap for a ball and crashing in the wall. If you are an outfielder, play the game with a controlled reckless abandon, trust your teammates will help you from running into obstacles, and show of that big smile when a runner challenges your cannon of an arm like our fellow outfielders Jackie Bradley Jr. and Starling Marte (below).