Many of the plays in the infield involve a throw to a base for an attempted force out. Although this article focuses on the 1B position, many of the same techniques can be applied at any position.

The Preparation: Know What to Do

In between pitches players should anticipate what to do if the ball is hit. Knowing the situation, the number of the outs, the handedness of the hitter, the runners on base are all important things to consider before each pitch.

The Foundation: Footwork and Positioning

When covering 1B and anticipating a throw, the first goal should be to get both feet on the base while maintaining an athletic stance. The feet positioning is important to ensure the safety of both the fielder and the runner. Remember fielders, all bases are considered in fair territory. Keeping an athletic stance not only prepares the fielder to receive the ball but also to adjustments to catch errant throws.

Stretching: Timing and Direction

Once both feeT/heels are on the base, the next crucial element is the stretch towards the throw. The stretch is where art meets science in baseball; it's about extending the body to meet the ball, reducing the time it takes to complete the out, catching before it skips off the ground or avoiding an in between hop by catching the ball on a short or long hop. In most cases, the glove hand foot should be used to stretch out to catch the ball. A good timing drill is to catch the ball at the same time that the foot lands.

The Art of Patience: Avoiding Stretching too Early

Perhaps the most nuanced aspect of covering a base during a force play is knowing when to commit to the stretch. Stretching too early can lead to off-balance positions, especially on errant throws. The trick lies in patience and judgement. Wait for the throw to be well on its way before initiating your stretch. This allows the player to adjust to the ball's path, ensuring they're in the best possible position to make the play.

Moving on to the Next Play

Players must remember that the ball may still be considered live therefore other runners can attempt to advance to the next base. A good rule of thumb after making a force attempt is to do one of the following: throw to the next base for a double play attempt, look towards the lead runner and/or run towards the lead runner. This can lead to additional chances for outs when a runner over extends their rounding of a base, a player is slow to advance to the next base and/or the runner is not paying attention to the play.

To help explore how to create a safe, fun engaging and movement based practice, keep looking for updates on the Coach's Clipboard or use one of the links below.

Links:

1. Running to First Base
2. Fielding a Groundball
3. Fielding a Flyball
4. Sliding