Matching Baseball Skills with Defensive Position

Finding Defensive Position that Agree with Baseball Skills

Determining the best defensive position for young ball players based on their baseball skills requires some advanced knowledge of baseball. Each defensive baseball position requires necessary baseball skills, so players have a chance at defensive success.

Youth coaches must begin to determine the best defensive baseball positions for players, especially as they reach the little league level of baseball. Youth baseball coaches must learn each player's defensive strengths and weaknesses for determining the best position for them, near and long term. Following are defensive baseball tips that coaches should use to help players find a suitable position. Of course, learning many positions at a young age is never a bad thing, as many kids play different positions in future years, as the competition level increases.

Baseball Skills for Defensive Position

Best Baseball Skills for Each Defensive Position

1^st Base A big target helps, of course, along with good flexibility. First base is a good position for players who have not mastered the two-hand catch approach, as first base is mainly a glove hand position. There is value in having a left-handed first baseman, when possible. Left handed first baseman have a big advantage with covering the whole between them and the second baseman, with holding runners on the bag, with the throw to second base to start double plays on ground balls to them and with throws to second and third base on bunt plays.

Second baseman second baseman can get away with having a weaker throwing arm, as long as they are quick of foot. That quickness is necessary, as they have to cover first and second base at times, as well as for turning double plays.

Shortstops no defensive position player needs the total package of baseball skills as the shortstop. Shortstops should be fleet of foot for range, have as strong arm for that long infield throw, and have great hands, as any slight miscue usually leads to errors.

Third baseman fearlessness is the main attribute of the third baseman that baseball coaches should look for, as the ball gets to them quickly. Great range is not necessary, but quickness is for the "hot corner."

Outfielders Players, who can judge fly balls and have trouble with fielding ground balls, are best suited for the outfield. The strongest armed player generally plays right field, with the best and fastest outfielder in center field.

Catcher another fearless position, as the willingness to be hit by balls, and block dirt balls, is necessary. Finding a player, who has leadership capabilities, is good, as catchers are the conduit between the coach and the defense. Running speed is not mandatory for this defensive position, but a strong arm certainly helps, or at least a quick release.

Of course, having the good baseball skills of quick hands and feet for all baseball positions is best. Having players in the correct positions and having the knowledge of each player's defensive capabilities, helps teams execute and win.