Infield Play: The Ready Position... is it the same for everyone???

Each infielder's ready position will be slightly different but in all instances hope to produce the same results.

First, they are all different because each infielder is different as an athlete and as such each athlete will produce different movement patterns unique to their abilities. Thus it is best to find the ready position that will place them in the best athletic position possible as the ball is entering the "clay" or hitting zone.

Second, as the pitcher begins the motion for delivery, each infielder should assume a position of movement or bounce that coincides with the pitch and the hitting zone. Some infielders will walk into their ready position with prep steps, where they time the movement to position. Others will simply assume a position similar to that of a tennis player preparing to return a serve.

The third point to consider is that the ready position is also somewhat different based on position. Corner infielders are much closer to the hitter and as such, a lower center of gravity - more flexed position - would better suit them for first step movement. The glove position of the corner infielder will in most cases be center of body and slightly extended. Conversely, the middle infielders play further from the hitter and thus they should learn to acquire a higher, slightly upright position to help facilitate extended movement patterns to a batted ball. The glove position for the middle infielders will be more to the side, in fact, you may find many middle infielders place their hands and arms closer to their best position to run. Middle infielders need to avoid the lower, glove in front ready position, but instead assume a similar movement pattern of prep steps to that of an outfielder.

So as you can see there is not one "perfect" ready position that works for all infielders. If you take these three points above into consideration with each infielder, it should help you find the best position for them to be "ready"!

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