Great baseball defense demands great reflexes and quick thinking during the game…and that means having an infield pre-pitch strategy. Losing focus between pitches will lead to mental mistakes and fielding errors.
It is imperative that every fielder expects the ball to be hit to him on EVERY pitch. Players can’t be surprised when the action is directed their way.
This is why it is extraordinarily important for an infielder to be ready for the ball at all times. A good infielder minimizes distractions by preparing himself before every pitch.
There are a few essential things players should be doing between pitches when on defense. This is called the Pre-Pitch Routine.
Here are two articles – one from USA Baseball and another from Colonial Baseball Instruction that highlight the importance of an infield pre-pitch strategy and go into great detail on having the right plan:
USA Baseball – Pre-Pitch Preparation for Infielders
Colonial Baseball Instruction – Coaching Pre-Pitch Routines
Secondly, I’m linking to a fantastic YouTube video from Elite Youth Baseball on the proper defensive pre-pitch footwork.
Defensive Pre-Pitch Footwork in Baseball
In the video, they break down and analyzing the proper pre-pitch footwork utilized by the best MLB defensive players in the game, as well as give some pointers on how to get young players to understand and incorporate this important fundamental into their game.
I’d invite all players to take a look at both of the articles and the video, as these tools are of ultra importance to development and solid defense.
