Groundball Fundamentals

Prep or Entry Step
On the pitcher’s first move, bend at the waist into an athletic posture. When the pitcher's arm goes forward, take a small step up then separate your feet. It is basically a small hop and there are several ways to do it. Both feet should land at the same time and they should land just after batter makes contact or the ball crosses the plate. This will put you in the best position to react as quickly as possible with the ability to move in any direction.

Routine Groundball
Keeping your posture from your entry step, move your feet to get your left shoulder lined up with the ball on your approach to the ball. Present the glove early and field the ball with a wide base and your glove out in front. Catch the ball under your left eye, glove side of center.

Funnel the ball into your body and exchange at center of your chest. As you take the ball out of your glove, separate thumbs down. Replace your feet. The footwork is right to left and then left to target to gain distance and to set direction. This is the known as the 2-step pattern.

When you have time, you can also do a 4-step pattern which is simply adding a shuffle step to the end of the 2-step pattern. Although you will see some variation in how the pros execute the 4-step pattern, the simplest and best way is to replace your feet twice without crossing them.

Whether you do the 2-step or 4-step footwork, it is important that you follow your throw. Take a few steps towards the target after the throw to ensure carry and accuracy. Also, we make a big deal about getting the ball to center after catch because if you can take the ball out of your glove from the same spot every time, you can make the same move to throw every time. This will make for better more consistent throws.

Forehand
Catch the ball with one hand. A small glove swing forward and around to the center of the chest after catch helps set direction. Replace your feet, right to left and then left to target to setup the throw.

Spin Forehand
Field the ball as the ball goes by. Let the momentum of the ball carry you into a controlled spin. Replace your feet, planting hard on the right foot.

Open Backhand
Beat the ball to the spot with your right foot. Use your feet to create direction before the catch. Get your eyes behind the ball and play through it towards first base. Hinge at the elbow to bring the ball to the center of the chest for the exchange.

Closed Backhand
When the ball beats to you the spot, field it outside your left foot and take the ball straight up to center. Exchange, replace your feet, and plant hard on the right foot to make the throw. It is really important that you get your right foot underneath you to control your momentum so that you can redirect your energy towards first base.