Fielding The Ball --- Throwing To First !!!

Just been enlightened this past weekend that a few coaches are now teaching infielders especially on the left side instead of setting to throw to first now are teaching to run toward first base then throw...Thoughts from all of you coaches ???? Also noticed a lot of kids that play for C.C. circle the end of the bat while they are waiting for the pitch....What does that do for the hitter ????


Softball Guru

 

Right View Pro?

I'm not exactly sure about the throwing part although I can think of a few scenarios where what you describe could be beneficial,but in regard to the circling of the bat head,I would assume that's something to do with the rythym that Right View Pro advocates after the negative move.

 

Every case the shortstop would run about 20 feet toward first before releasing the ball...and agreed some cases do require a player to run toward first or any other base to complete the throw for an out, just never seen it done every time...this kid did not need to shorten her distance because she has a cannon for an arm....the bat circling looks too much like professional baseball, but if it works do it....Softball Guru

 

circling the bat may be an attempt from the batter to mess with the pitchers rithym. I've seen sac bunters wave the bat over the plate.

Running to throw to first, I havent seen with the exception of the pitcher doing that if she has time and soft tossing the ball underhanded. That may be a method for other positions that if there is time to make the throw more accurate. Not sure . . .

The other possibility may be if there is another runner on another base hanging on to the ball longer may hold other base runners back until they know for sure the fielder is going to throw the ball.

 

So the kid would take around 7 or 8 steps before throwing? If they are that close and that fast why not just tag the runner? Sounds like a waste to me.

 

I agree it does seem like a waste...this aint no foot race...reminds me of T-Ball when all the kids would run with the ball to the bag...LOL


Softball Guru