PSOA Base Mechanics Clinic
Working the A Position
- Start next to the foul line in foul territory about 10-12 feet back of the first baseman.
- Ground ball in the infield chest up to the fielder making the play, get to a 45 degree angle to the front corner of
the bag, see the throw from the fielder, pivot on left foot to the first base bag, get set, see the play, then call the
play. Timing is big here. Have lag time just like you have behind the dish. Do not anticipate a play react to the
play.
- Clean base hit to the outfield stay with the ball until BR is near first base. Turn your body to first base to see BR
hit 1B then read if BR is going to second or staying at first. If going to second stay ahead of the runner. If going
back to first follow back into first base.
- Assist on half swings, foul balls off the batter, fair/foul ball calls that pass the first base bag.
- U1 has BR all the way to third base.
Working the B Position
- Starting location is halfway between the mound and 2nd base at the left edge cut of the pitchers mound.
- On a possible double play take one step up and pivot with right foot to square up to 2nd base, after the first play
then pivot on left foot take a step back to get as close of a 45 degree angle to see the play at first base.
- On a clean base hit, in a rotation situation take a step up then towards first base side of the field.
- On a clean base hit with multiple runners get to the “working position”. This position is located right behind the
pitchers mound. At this location you have a good angle to see all three bases. Once the ball is thrown work
towards that base, get set before the ball arrives then make a call. Angle is more important than distance make
sure you get head set before the ball arrives.
Working the C Position
- Starting location is on halfway between and base and the mound on the right cut of the pitchers mound.
- You start in the C position with runner on third, runner on second, runners on first and second, runners on
second and third or bases loaded.
- When working the C position on a hit get to the working area of the field located right behind the mound. Then
as a fielder throws the ball go towards where the throw is going get set and make a call.
- When covering a steal at third don’t move towards third move straight up to get to the 45 degree angle you will
need.
Rotations
- Runner on First clean base hit to the outfield Home Plate umpire should communicate they have third. As U1
stay with BR to first and second.
- Runner on first and third clean base hit to the outfield. Plate Umpire will communicate they have third base. U1
stay with BR at first and second.
- Runner on First and second less than 2 outs and fly ball to outfield. Plate Umpire will communicate I have third
if he tags. U1 get an angle on the catch and tag up.
Going out on Trouble Balls
- Make sure you pregame this area.
- If you are in the A position there are certain plays you will need to go out to see a catch.
- After the ball is hit, Turn the direction of the ball and Pause.
- Read the fielders to see how they are playing the ball.
- React to go out if two or more fielders are converging, RF or CF is sprinting back to the fence, RF of CF are
sprinting in for a diving catch below the waist, or RF is sprinting to the foul line.
- When to go out: 1) Homerun ball, 2 or more fielders sprinting to each other, fair foul ball, and catch below the
waist.
- Hits follow ball while coming in to the infield. Watch ball until runner nears first base then see the touch.