Feet

• Start in a relaxed position as the pitcher holds the baseball.

• On the pitcher's first movement, bend you back slightly.

• When the pitcher's arm begins moving forward, take a small step forward, then separate your feet with a small hop.

• Both feet should land together right as the ball gets to the plate.

• In the proper ready position, the feet should be about shoulder width apart with the knees slightly bent.

Field 

• Get to the ball as quickly as you can.

• Setup by creating a wide base with a flat back and your hands out in front of your body.

• You should be able to see the ball and your glove at the same time.

• Catch the ball under your left eye, glove side of center.

• Move through the ball with rhythm and with your left foot coming down right at catch.

Funnel

• After fielding the ball out in front, bring the ball to the center of your chest.

• As you take the ball out of your glove, separate thumbs down.

• Front shoulder and elbow should be on your target, rear elbow up, and your fingers behind the ball.

• Replace your feet to gain distance and set your direction... right to left, left to target.

Footwork

• Footwork occurs at the same time as the funnel.

• Proper footwork is right to left and then left to target without crossing over. This is 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.

• Take a few steps towards the target after the throw to ensure carry and accuracy. 

Fire and Follow

• Get rid of the ball quickly. If you funneled and did your footwork correctly, you should not have to think about anything else.

• Use a four-seam grip and keep your elbow above your shoulder.

• Take a few steps towards the target after the throw to ensure carry and accuracy. If you find that you are peeling off or not following through the throw, that is an indication of weak footwork and that you did not generate proper momentum for a strong accurate throw.

Other Common Footwork Patterns

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.