When you are trying to learn how to play better baseball, you must be open to consistently learning new strategies and fundamentals. Each time you progress in the ranks, there are always expectations set and new tactics to learn. So, in essence you can always learn something. This article is here to teach you a few helpful tips to better your game.
Learn how to play as a team. Baseball may not feel like a team sport in the same way as basketball or football, but it certainly still is one. When you master how to play as a team, especially on defense and when there are men on base in offense, you’ll start winning more games than you lose!
Before stepping in to face a new pitcher, take a couple of practice swings while he’s facing another batter. Use the time to measure the pitcher’s timing. This will give you a better opportunity to have a quality at bat against the pitcher. Otherwise, you may be outclassed pretty quickly.
When you are running the bases, don’t ignore your coaches’ signals. The coaches have a view of the entire field. You need to focus on the bases and the third-base coach. They can serve as your eyes. If they’re telling you to stop, do so at the closest base. When your coach gives you the signal to go, run as quickly as possible, touching each base with your left foot.
Practice bunting, even if you are a power hitter. Bunting is a bit of a lost art in baseball. The idea is to simply tap the ball into play, taking the infield, pitcher and catcher off-guard. This is a smart tactic to move a teammate over from first to second or to even score an infield hit. A power hitter bunting is so unexpected that it really can be effective.
Don’t reach across the body if you’re wanting to catch ground balls. A quick shuffle to either side to keep your glove ahead of the ball is more effective. If not, then the ball can bounce off the sides of your body or glove if you’re not in the proper position.
To throw a curve ball, place both your index and middle fingers along a seam of the baseball. As you throw the pitch, slide your fingers down toward the ground in a clockwise direction if you are right-handed (counterclockwise if you are left-handed). This motion gives the pitch its curve.
Make sure that you use proper batting order in a game of baseball. The batting order could be what wins your team the game. Generally, you want to avoid putting weak hitters ahead of your strong hitters. You need to properly plan where to place your stronger and weaker hitters so that you don’t jam all of your “ammunition” in one spot.
To hit a baseball on a line, make sure to keep your swing level. If you send your bat in an uppercut at the ball, you are much more likely to pop the ball up, making it easy for an outfielder to catch. A level swing produces a line drive, which is much more likely to produce a base hit.
When it is time to bat, you must know how to line up correctly at home base. Your body should be facing home plate. Plant your feet about shoulder width apart and slightly bend your knees. Extend the baseball bat to the plate to ensure that the tip of it lines up with the farthest side of the base.
If you have a kid in a youth baseball team, make sure that they have proper leg strength if they pitch a lot. The strength in their legs is very important to their performance. They can generate more velocity and maintain better stamina by having better leg strength. Strong legs do not have to be muscular or large.
For the most part, gloves are now designed for a specific position. If you normally play one particular position, get a versatile glove custom made for that position. Try on different sizes until you find the one that fits best. Make sure the glove is well made from high-quality leather.
If you play in the outfield, practice making double plays. These are a pitcher’s favorite play. Double plays can happen in many different ways, and infield squads need to be ready for any potential outcome. Repeat these drills regularly until you know them like the back of your hand.
If you need to work on your swing, head to batting cages. Batting cages can help you to work on perfecting your technique, in a way that makes you focus only on swinging. Check around to see which cages are the most affordable, and you may find that your swing improves quicker than you think.
To make sure that you do not lose your baseballs when you go to the park to practice hitting, write an identifying mark on each of them. If you use a Sharpie or other permanent marker, the wear and tear of playing ball will take longer to erase your name from the ball’s surface.
To maintain safety when coaching first or third base, think about wearing a batting helmet. A foul ball that is hit sharply can get to you and knock you down before you know it. You don’t want to suffer a concussion, or worse, because of a random shot. Instead, be prepared.
Are you now ready to play some baseball with your team? Taking the tips you’ve read about out there with you on the field will help you play a much better game. Your teammates are counting on you as well as your coach, and you just might make that play that everyone talks about after the game.
