Have been pitching for about 5 years now and have always been above average at fielding my position but here lately it seems I can't field anything... I took a shot on the mound a year ago that broke two fingers and ever since then it's like I'm a little gun shy. I find myself back pedaling after the pitch instead of setting up to defend myself and I am having trouble deciding if I should watch the ball or the batter after release . Just seems as if I'm not picking up the ball fast enough anymore.
Any thoughts?
Well-
(1) Pitch from behind the pitcher plate - or lobby your league for that rule
(2) Throw your pitches with some randomness - Don't be predictable
(3) Take one step back & set your feet (on the balls, not like concrete)
(4) Focus your eyes on the BAT as he swings (not the batter)
(5) Watch as the bat hits the ball
At this point, protecting yourself is paramount to making a play...
To protect yourself, you need to see the bat make contact with the ball
and then watch as the ball moves away from the batter... This will
give you the most time to react to the hit...
A ball that is hit right at your face seems like it is standing still - at any
angle you can pickup the movement - but right at your face the ball
just grows bigger as it approaches you - You need to be ready to
protect yourself first....
Once you realize the ball is not going to hit you, make one step in
the direction the ball is moving - keeping your glove up and ready -
then position your glove (usually a stabbing motion due to the
minimal reaction time) in line with the expected flight path...
As the pitcher, being the closest infielder to the batter, you really
only have a limited range within the reaction time - Make the most
of it and rely on your 2B & SS (or MI if 5-man) to cover the space
you cannot...
I can't emphasize this enough - Glove up at chest high and intently
watch the bat make contact with the ball - That is the best
chance you have to protect yourself and/or make a play...
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