COACH WORKBOOK. Contexts: Module: Outfield Play. Competition Development. Coaching Association of Canada, 2008 Baseball Canada 20011

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1 COACH WORKBOOK Contexts: Competition Development Module: Outfield Play Coaching Association of Canada, 2008 Baseball Canada

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3 Unless otherwise indicated, images and pictures contained in this document are the property of BASEBALL CANADA. They are used under license and are copyrighted. Some images contained in this document have been obtained through Major League Baseball and are copyrighted. This document is copyrighted by the Baseball Canada (2011) and its licensors. All rights reserved. 3

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6 Contents Intermediate Level Review of Module Ready Position Fielding Groundballs Fielding Flyballs Fielding Groundballs to either side Fielding Flyballs Overhead Throwing Module 2 Communication... 5 With other outfielders - knowing situation, knowing priorities With infielders - know priorities Line Drives... 7 Diving... 8 Playing the Fence... 9 Playing the Sun Positioning Drills and Outfield Practice

7 Review: Ready Position and Throwing Mechanics List the points to consider for Ready Position: List the points to consider for Throwing Mechanics: Groundball with no runners on base: Groundball with runners on base: Flyball with no runners on base: Flyball with runners on base 7

8 Fielding Flyballs Overhead This is an area for coaches that should be reviewed and covered completely Focus on the plate and attempt to read the ball coming off the bat Young outfielders make the mistake of not taking appropriate angles on line drives and balls over their heads over in a left or right trajectory. The first two steps are the most important Ball in your direction open half step to glove side and react to ball Fly ball must get to where the ball will land First step should be a drop step The drop step is executed by turning the upper body while taking a positive backwards The eyes should remain on the ball. As the outfielder becomes more accomplished at taking the proper angle, he/she can learn to put the head down and run. This will allow the outfielder to run faster than with the eyes on the ball. When you are going into the gap, don t keep your eyes on the ball. Train yourself to recognize where the ball will probably land and run to that area. After four or five steps, you can glance up to check the flight of the ball Ken Griffey Sr. 8

9 Continue to run at an angle, (a straight line), keeping the ball in front of the eyes and head, not behind. Flyball X X Groundball 9

10 Working in small of groups 2 4, each coach will assume one of the following roles: Coach Player(s) Observer Using the players and a drill, the coach will present and demonstrate taking the proper drop-step and angle to a flyball. The observer is to provide feedback and/or his/her observations of the interaction (i.e. clarity of presentation, coach s ability to perform the drill, coach s feedback to players during the drill, etc.). Getting a good jump on the ball starts at home plate. You have to know who is hitting. If you don t know where the hitter tends to hit the ball, how can you get a good jump on it? Willie Mays 10

11 Communication Communication is important in the game of baseball, never more essential than on flyball and popfly coverage. With the ball in the air, and all eyes up on the ball, voices naturally travel upward. Therefore, it is important to understand priorities and the need to call often and loudly for the ball. General Rule: With other outfielders know that the center fielder has priority over off-side outfielders with a flyball between them With infielders outfielders have priority In groups of two, develop a drill that involves communication between outfielders. Develop a second drill that involves communication between outfielders and infielders. 11

12 Normally, the center fielder has a better read (or jump) and better path to the ball as the ball is batted more directly to center of the field. It is logical to appoint the centerfielder since this position converges with both left and right field. If the centerfielder calls for the ball more times than either the left fielder or the right fielder, there is a better chance that he/she will be heard. The other outfielder should avoid the path of the player catching the ball, preferable backing up the play. Identify the terminology you use with your team for calling for a ball: Phrases often used are: I GOT IT, I GOT IT, I GOT IT BALL, BALL, BALL The outfielder has priority over infielders because it is easier to catch a ball running in, than running back. The infielder should: vacate dive out of the path or fall down (as a last resort)

13 Backing Up the Play Outfielders should be anticipating plays and be ready to back up every ball hit, whether the ball stays in the infield or is hit to the outfield. Keep the force play on, or Keep the double play in order. This means 1) outfielders should be mindful of throwing low, through the cutoff man; and 2) to be aware of throwing ahead of lead runners can lead to trailing runners moving up. If in doubt of where to back up, move in toward a base. Move in, but keep a distance such that over throws or bad throws can be fielded. CF LF RF 13

14 Line Drives Overhead or directly at outfielder Drop-step directly back, either foot. This ensures that player can go back in case ball carries over head or can plant and run directly at incoming ball. Catching ball on run Sometimes the line drive directly at the outfielder will deceive him and remain high in flight. It is important to remain perpendicular to the line drive while reading the flight. Perpendicular means one foot behind the other, body facing away from homeplate. This will better enhance the ability to move backward or forward. Remaining square (with both feet pointing toward homeplate) will result in a poor jump. In groups of two, develop a drill that practices reacting to catching line drives. 14

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16 If the outfielder reads the line drive in front, he is in a good running position forward. Catch the ball in front of the eyes Diving The Figure "4" sliding dive, is probably the safest dive for a ball in front Keep the glove out in front of the body, eyes up and on ball Keep the barehand up, not dragging The head first dive is more difficult. Use the bare hand to decrease the impact of the body with the ground

17 When diving to the side, try to use the barehand to assist in easing the impact of the body, in particular the shoulder, when hitting the ground Diving can be practiced, but care should be taken to limit injury. There are situations in games where diving considered the right play and there are times when diving can lead to a big inning. Identify any rules you may have that you tell your outfielders about diving for batted balls. What situations might you expect players to dive, when would you not want them to dive? In groups of two, develop a drill that practices reacting to and develops diving. 17

18 Playing the Fence In most parks there is a warning track in the outfield and players should learn how to utilize it. In the event of a batted ball overhead, outfielders should be aware of how wide (how many steps) the warning track is. Practice with a partner or coach. The coach throws the ball high toward the fence. The outfielder turns and runs toward the fence with eyes on ball. Get familiar with the distance covered when tracking down a ball Proper execution requires a drop step and get to the fence as quickly as possible. Depending on the ball, if you have time, find the fence with your throwing hand extended while keeping your eyes on the ball When the outfielders realizes that the ball is overhead and not catchable, playing the ball off the wall is the best play stop and use anticipate the rebound 18

19 Balls that are hit on the ground to the fence or wall and remain, without rebounding should be fielded with the barehand The outfielder should pick the ball up in a balanced position, right him/herself and throw the ball quickly to the cutoff. Reflection: In your experience and with your level of athlete, how often would the fence become a factor? 19

20 If the outfielder determines the ball is catchable, use the barehand as guide upon approaching wall/fence Or use the body to cushion against jarring while catching ball A difficult, more advance skill is if the ball is over the fence, the outfielder tries to time the jump. Depending on the side of the body, the barehand might act in the upward thrust. Communication between outfielders is essential. Warning outfielders of the distance, yelling BACK, BACK, then FENCE, FENCE. The outfielder can better judge if the ball can be caught and how best to prepare. 20

21 Playing the Sun Anytime there is doubt or a chance that the sun will become a factor in a pop up or flyball, have position players wear sun glasses. Illustrations will show: using glove to shield sun from eyes angle to one to see ball out of sun Another way to shield the sun is using the barehand The idea is - Do not panic. Have confidence that you have tracked the ball properly and you know where the ball will land. If the ball is directly in the sun, it will eventually come out of the glare. If you have no idea where the ball is, do not drop your head and give up. Continue to scan for the ball, move for a better angle and communicate to other players. 21

22 Positioning Layering General Positioning of Outfielders Much of this concept is based on scouting or having knowledge of the opposition. The illustration below shows the typical field coverage for all outfielders for a right handed hitter. In most cases, hitters tend to have more power and hit the ball better to the pull side. Normally with a righthanded hitter, the left fielder will play a bit deeper that the other two outfielders. The right fielder can play a bit shallower. The Layering means that the centerfielder acts as the axis, and directs the off-side outfielders (leftfielder and rightfielder) to move either forward or back, as indicated by the arrows (black dotted for right handed hitter, red for left handed hitter). CF LF RF Layer Effect Righthanded hitter LF Deep (Pull side) CF Medium RF In (Off-field side) R The purpose of layering is for outfielders to be aggressive to batted balls between them. The deepest outfielder will yield and back up the play. This allows outfielders to be aggressive to line drives or mid-range or looping flyballs. 22

23 This is an example of the center fielder cutting in front of the right fielder. Communication is the key, but knowing that there is less risk of a collision due to layering, allows the outfielder greater confidence to be aggressive. The other outfielder can back up the play The outfielders get a confident sense that batted balls will not get through the gaps, either in front or behind because the field is covered. 23

24 Write down your thoughts on positioning of outfielders. Identify some key concepts you use when discussing the outfield position. Share your ideas with a partner or within a small group. Examples might be: centerfielder is boss play in the gaps play deep no doubles play shallow keep the force on On the field to the right plot where you would play your outfielders with a left-handed power hitter at the plate. On the field to the right plot where you would play your outfielders with a right-handed hitting, typical leadoffhitter. 24

25 Analyzing Outfield Play Write down your thoughts and discuss with a partner for each of the following illustrations. In your opinion, identify what you think the outfielder did to create the error?

26 Situational Baseball The outfielder is the last line of defense and is also the furthest away from plays to the bases. Therefore, it is imperative that outfielders think about, prepare for and practice certain situations in order to prevent baserunners to advance. For example, a single with between outfielders or down the baselines with one or more runners on, creates very different situations and potential plays for outfielders and how they respond can determine the difference in runners and/or the batter runner to advance. Situation: Runner at first base, single to the gap between the left fielder and center fielder, or the center fielder and the right fielder (as illustrated). CF LF RF SS R B In the above scenario, discuss the potential plays and possible results or consequences. 26

27 Drills and Outfield Practice Coaches, learn how to use a fungo effectively! Ground Ball Routine The outfielders line up single file in short right or left field. Fungo groundballs to either side of them so that they work on getting behind the ball, breakdown their steps and move in low, fielding the ball outside their glove foot. This is not a throwing drill but the outfielders should field, crowhop and throw lightly to an infielder. Reinforce proper footwork: Turning upper body toward direction of the ball Running in direction, not crossover steps Breaking down steps to get under control Getting behind the ball and in line with target Good fielding position glove down, outside of throwing foot Crowhop Cutoff Coach OF OF OF OF OF Cutoff 27

28 Fly Ball Routine This is a progressive routine that can be done with all ages. The distances will vary but will not be more than 60 feet to 70 feet. Outfielders will line up single file about 10 feet from coach. Each player has a ball. The first player in line flips the coach the ball and, after taking a good drop step, runs back with eyes on the ball. The coach allows the outfielder to take 5 or 6 steps before throwing a fly ball to the player, sometimes leading the player, sometimes throwing short to make the outfielder circle in to catch the ball. All of the other players in line will repeat the direction of the first outfielder. Coach OF OF OF OF OF Outfielder will continue to run in a direct line until he/she reads the ball. If the ball is thrown long, the OF will track it down. If the throw is short, the OF will only then stop and circle to catch the ball. The order of the drill is as follows: 1. Turn to right shoulder slight angle 2. Turn to left shoulder slight angle 3. Turn to right shoulder straight back 4. Turn to left shoulder straight back 5. Turn to right shoulder throw to left shoulder player corrects by spinning head 6. Turn to left shoulder throw to left shoulder player corrects by spinning head The progression occurs when outfielders are able to toss the ball to the coach and upon taking a drop step and turning, the player puts his/her head down for 2-3 steps before looking up to find the ball. The coach will throw the fly ball while the player s head is down. This simulates a player reading the ball overhead and putting the head down to run down a fly ball

29 Batting Practice Batting Practice is a good time for outfielders to get quality fly balls and to work on their jumps, drop steps and angles. Reading the ball off of a live batting situation is the best practice If outfielders are working, others are to either back up or leave the area. Allow the outfielder the opportunity to field or catch balls hit in his/her direction in BP. 29

30 More Drills This is a good drill for throwing and getting outfielders to understand the importance of throwing the ball down and on one-hop to the receiver (base). Put a marker in front of home plate or a base. The outfielder should hit that marker with the throw, which should then bounce once or twice to the target. Outfielders stand 100 feet to 120 feet (nearer or farther, depending on age and arm strength) from home plate or the base to which they are throwing, and in a single file line. The ball is tossed to the outfielder who then throws home. Scoring: One bounce = 4 points Two bounces = 2 points No bounce, but good throw on the fly = 1 point. No bounce and off line or overthrow = -2 points Each player gets five throws, or as time allows. High score wins. Reading and Adjusting Angles Line up players as in previous Outfield Routine Players, one at a time, will toss two balls for the coach to throw. The player then take a dropstep, turns, and runs back. The coach will immediately loft a flyball over the outfielder s head. After two steps the outfielder will look up for the ball. In the meantime the coach has thrown the second ball to the opposite side. After catching the first ball, the player will spin and run to catch the second ball thrown by the coach. #2 Coach P1 P2 P3 #1 Communication Drill Line up the infielders, facing the coach. Outfielders are lined up 60 to 80 feed behind the infielders, also facing the coach. OF OF OF OF INF INF INF Coach One at a time, the Infielder will put his/her head down while the coach signals the Outfielder to either call for the ball or let the infielder catch the ball. The coach tosses a ball between the Infielder and Outfielder. The purpose is for the Infielder to run hard to catch the ball and listen to the Outfielder for communication. It is an excellent drill, building trust between Infielders and Outfielders. 30

31 Identify an outfield drill that can be shared with others. Include graphics or diagram. 31