Outfielding: It's Harder Than It Looks

Playing the outfield is not a simple task. In fact, it is a lot more difficult than meets the eye. At younger levels or when new to the game, the outfield is often reserved for lesser experienced players. The reason is very simple - most batted balls will stay in the infield and thus, the more experienced players will play where the action is. As players grow and naturally get better with the game, there is a major shift in the requirement for more skilled athletes in the outfield.

As this shift occurs and more skilled athletes migrate to the outfield, you should now ask the question: "If a player is able to catch all of the balls hit to them, does that make them a good outfielder?" The answer is "Not necessarily". There is a lot more to playing the outfield in baseball than catching the ball in the air. Most batted balls to an outfielder will require the outfielder catching balls on the run, moving laterally, on a backhand, going back or coming in. Rarely does the outfielder make a catch without being on the run. The outfielder in each field must know how the ball will come off the bat to their field. The ball will come differently to each outfielder depending on which side of the plate the hitter is hitting from. It is the knowledge of how the ball comes off the bat that allows the outfielder to know how to play their specific outfield position. Also, not only do outfielders need to hone their skill on making catches, they must work hard at understanding how to use their teammates in cut off and relay situations. They must also be aware of the type of field they are on, the speed of the outfield, types of hops that the outfield produces and the fence locations.

So, just sending out a player to try and hide them in the outfield is not prudent judgment. Use a sound thought process and spend the time teaching your outfielders how to become TRUE outfielders.

Rick Johnston
Head Instructor
The Baseball Zone

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