Read Step

• When a fly ball is hit your way, take a small step back to side the ball is hit to help you read the ball and to decide if you need to go in or back.

• When take the small step back, swivel your hips and pivot the foot to turn your body towards the fence to setup a deep route to the ball.

• Pivot your other foot to get into a better athletic stance.

• It is a small step to give you a head start by getting your body in position should you have to go back on the ball.

• If the ball is hit right at you, take the read step with your glove side foot.

Routine Fly Balls

• Take a deep route and sprint to a spot a few feet behind the ball.

• If a runner is tagging up and a throw needs to be made, get to the proper side of the ball to get your body lined up to throw to your target.

• Take a small jab step forward with your glove foot to catch the ball and to create some momentum for your throw.

• Catch the ball above your face

• Step through with the other foot, shuffle, and make a strong throw.

Deep Fly Balls

• After a good read step, cross over hard to get a jump on the ball.

• Sprint to the ball. Beat it to the spot if you can.

• Pump your arms when you run after it. Do not run with your glove out because that will slow you down. 

• You will have time to get your glove up when get closer to the ball.

• On balls hit straight back over head, if the ball drifts on you and you need to adjust your route, you can do it with either an inside correction or an outside correction.

Line Drives Right at You

• Hold your read step until you are 100% sure that you need to go in or back.

• If the ball stays below your hat line, you probably need to come in.

• If the ball rises above your hat line, you probably need to go back.

• If you take a bad route and you need to change direction, turn your hips inside to correct.