Baseball
Position By Position
A YOUNG PLAYER MANAGERS
GUIDE TO
EACH DEFENSIVE POSITION
ON THE DIAMOND
AND
INSIGHT ON BASE RUNNING
FOR THE OFFENSE
Playing 1st Base
A F I R S T B A S E M A N I S T H E P L AY E R
O N T H E T E A M P L AY I N G D E F E N S E
WHO FIELDS THE AREA NEAREST
FIRST BASE , AND IS RESPONSIBLE
F O R T H E M A J O R I T Y O F P L AY S M A D E
AT T H AT B A S E . I N T H E N U M B E R I N G
SYSTEM USED TO RECORD
D E F E N S I V E P L AY S , T H E F I R S T
BASEM AN IS ASSIGNED THE
NUMBER 3.
A F I R S T B A S E M A N I S I N V O LV E D I N
M O R E P L AY S D U R I N G A G A M E T H A N
ANY OTHER POSITION EXCEPT
P I T C H E R A N D C AT C H E R .
1st Baseman
Position / Stance / Footwork

The most important job for the first baseman is to catch the ball on a force out at first base.
Catching the ball is not quite the same as just playing catch with teammates. A good 1st
Baseman must work on catching balls that are bounced in the dirt.

The beginning position for a 1st baseman will be about where the cutout of the infield grass
starts (most fields 6 to 10 feet) towards second base and a couple feet behind 1st Base.

On a ball put in play, quick reaction to 1st base is essential. If the ball is not hit directly at
you, glance quickly to about where the ball is going and get to 1st base quickly and DO NOT
WATCH the ball to see what happens. Your first job is to get to the base.

As you move to the bag you will want to “straddle” the base with a foot on the front side and
the back side (side facing the catcher and side facing right field) of the base. As the ball is
fielded and a throw is being made you want to place your throwing side foot on the middle
edge of the side facing 2nd base (inside of the base). You will want the instep of your foot to
be on the edge of the base with the ball of your foot on the ground pushing back onto the
base. Note: If the ball is hit to the in front of the pitchers mound your LEFT foot should rest
on the inside part of the base so you give as big a target as possible as the throw will be
coming from “behind” the runner.

Make a Target! Hold your glove up around the middle of your chest. This will give the fielder
of the ball a good target. Your arm should be slightly bent and your glove in a “flat” and open
position.

Stretch to every catch. After, and only after, the ball is thrown do you step with your glove
side foot towards where the ball is being thrown. This step should be as large as comfortable
in order to receive the ball in as fast as time as possible. You must keep your throwing side
foot on the base!

DO NOT stretch before the ball is on its way. This is a common mistake and doing so can
get you out of position to catch the ball.
As the ball travels
to 1st base the
player steps on
the edge of the
base with proper
foot and stretches
to oncoming ball
to receive it in as
short a distance
as possible
beating the
runner by
fractioins of a
second!
Steve Pearce
with
proper footwork
Getting yourself
ready is very
important. As the
pitcher releases
the ball you
should get
yourself ready for
the ball to be hit
at you. 3rd base is
called the “Hot
Corner” but if the
batter is a lefty, a
hard hit ball can
be upon you so
fast that you may
have little time to
react. BE
READY!
Albert Pujols
perfect
ready position as
the ball is pitched
1st Baseman
Playing the Position – Basics 1

Your job as a first baseman will have you playing in many different areas of the field in normal
play.

No runner on 1st Base
 Play 6 to 10 feet off the 1st base line and a couple feet behind the base. You may
have to shift your position if you know how the batter hits the ball, but this standard
starting position will help you cover the base on a ball put in play.

Runner on 1st Base (league allows runner to lead off) or Position for pick off attempt after
leading off.
 Play on the front side of the base.
 Place your right foot just in front of the front side of the base. Some players actually
place their foot and have it touching the front side. Either is proper.
 Place your left foot so you are in an athletic position with your shoulders square to the
pitcher – body is facing the pitchers mound.
 Give the pitcher a target with your glove and have it centered on your body like you
would be receiving a throw from a fielder during a normal play at 1st base.

If the ball is hit to the right side, towards you and the 2nd baseman only move towards the ball
if you think you can field it by moving three to four steps to your right. Any further than that
and getting back to 1st base to cover and catch an oncoming throw will be difficult.

If ball is hit to your right side and you are able to get to the ball, expect the pitcher to cover
first or you can wave the pitcher off and run to the base for the out if you believe you can
easily beat the batter-runner.

If the ball is hit to the left side (3rd or SS), quickly get to the base and ready yourself for the
throw. Be ready to stretch for the throw or catch it if bounced.

Upon catching the ball, step off the base quickly. This helps from being potentially stepped
on by the batter-runner. Don’t remove your foot from the base early as the ump will call that
and the runner will be called safe!
1st Baseman
Playing the Position – Basics 2

Always be aware of all other base runners after a play at 1st base. Runners at other bases
are free to continue running. Don’t argue calls with an ump or get upset about a call. Games
have been lost even in the Majors (MLB) because a first baseman got upset at a call and
forgot about a runner at third going home.

MOVE MOVE MOVE! When a throw is off target you must make every effort to catch or stop
the ball. Your first responsibility is to not allow the ball to get by you so runners can not
advance on a poorly thrown ball. Don’t let a single turn into a double or triple because you let
a wild throw get by first base.

When the ball is hit into the outfield, you must move out of the batter-runners way so they can
freely round 1st and move to 2nd if they want. If the ball is hit to Left field, you should move
towards 2nd base and back up the 2nd baseman. You should not move any closer than about
half the way to second. This will allow you to get back to first and behind a runner if a pickle
(run down) starts because the runner tries to get back to 1st base upon realizing they are not
going to make it to second safely.

If the ball is hit to right field you must be ready for a throw. It is not advised for an outfielder to
try and get the batter-runner out at first, but sometimes because of the position of the RF and
the speed of the ball that was hit, a play can be made at 1st. Be aware!

Practice catching the ball on both the forehand and backhand sides. You will need to be able
to catch bases throw to both your left and right side. Also practice catching balls that are
bounded to you. Many throws to first will be rushed and end up short and bounced to you.
You MUST be comfortable at catching the ball!

After catching the ball at first, get the ball back to the pitcher in a quick fashion. Do not hold
onto the ball after catching
1st Baseman
Playing the Position - Bunts

Your job as a first baseman will normally be to rush any bunt attempt. You are responsible
for the area down the right field line and towards the pitchers mound. Think of it as a line
drawn from home plate to a normal position of the 2nd baseman. Remember, the pitcher and
catcher will cover very short or up the middle bunts.

No runner on 1st Base
 Play 6 to 10 feet off the 1st base line but now play on the grass or on the edge of the
grass (inside the runners path from 1st to 2nd)

Runner on 1st Base (league allows runner to lead off) or Position for pick off attempt after
leading off.
 Play on the front side of the base. You still want to hold the runner!

As the pitch is made you will advance towards home plate. Remember to rush towards the
batter and be ready for the batter to “slap-hit” the ball instead of bunting.

Be ready to move out of the way of the pitcher or catcher. They will have an easier throw as
they are moving in the direction of the throw and unlike you where you will be running away
from 1st base, have to pick up the ball and turn completely around in order to make the throw.

RELAX! Many times bunts are not fielded properly because the player is rushed or thinks
they need to rush. This is often not the case. Relax and field the ball first. Once you have
the ball, then figure out how quickly you need to turn and throw. Many times you will not have
to rush because the bunt is meant to advance another baserunner and the play is easy to
make at first.

Be ready to throw out the lead runner at 2nd or 3rd. If the bunt is hard enough you may have
time to get the lead runner! Remember though, it is important to get at least one out, so your
play should always have going to 1st as the priority. In a sac-bunt situation they are giving
you an OUT --- TAKE IT!
Player movement
with runner on 1st
or 2nd with less
than 2 outs.
Get an out no
matter what.
Most of the time
this will be going
to the first, unless
it’s a hard bunt
back at the
pitcher or right in
front of the
catcher. Your
players have to
know that it’s
okay to get the
out at another
base, but they
need to be 100%
sure about that
out.
1st Baseman
does not always rush
on a bunt.
1st Baseman
Playing the Position – Cuts/Back Up

REMEMBER – A Cutoff is different than a Relay.

A cut off is for the purpose of stopping and changing the defenses attempt at getting a runner
out.
 Cutoffs usually occur when a runner is trying to advance to 3rd or Home.
 The cutoff is made to attempt to get a runner behind the runner trying to score or
advance to 3rd.

You are responsible for being the cut-off player if runner at 2nd and the ball is hit to RF or CF.

Hits to OF (RF & CF)
 On balls hit to RF
 You will move towards home plate and align yourself between RF and home
plate.

On balls hit to CF
 You will move towards the back of the pitchers mound and align yourself
between CF and home plate.

You are the cutoff and need to be aware if there could be a play at home. The catcher
may or may not call “cut cut cut” if he does not think there is a play at the plate. By
watching the runner from 2nd turns 3rd and head towards the plate, you should get a
good feeling about how much time you have to either cut the ball or allow it to proceed
to home.

You will cut the ball if there are runners that are proceeding to the next base and a
play at the plate is unlikely to get an out. You cut the ball in order to still get at least
one out on the play by now stopping the ball from going home and in turn throw the
ball to another base to get another runner out.
Runner on 2nd
and hit to either
CF or RF with a
possible play at
the plate.
If the ball is hit
deep and will be a
double or better
(runner on 2nd
will score easily)
the 1st baseman
would turn into a
relay or a backup.
If ball is hit to LF
the first baseman
will want to move
towards 2nd base
to backup a throw
to 2nd or to cover
2nd in case the
second baseman
has moved to be a
backup to the SS
on a throw to 3rd
base.
Proper Cutoff
position
for 1st Baseman
1st Baseman
Playing the Position – Cuts/Back Up

On balls hit to LF
 Backup any throw from LF to second base. If the ball gets by the 2nd baseman on a
throw from LF it is your job to make sure it does not get very far and it then becomes
your job to stop any attempt at runners advancing because of the missed throw.

If the ball gets by the LF towards the left field or left center field wall, the 1st baseman
should “float” to cover second. The play is now to stop the runner from getting to 3rd
base. Even most slow runners can get to 2nd on a ball that gets by the outfielder and
therefore the play becomes a play at 3rd.

The 2nd baseman will not be covering second base as it becomes his
responsibility to be the “2nd backup” and he is to position himself about 15 feet
behind the SS who is now in his cut-off position. This is done to make sure
that any throw that gets past the cut-off is quickly retrieved in order to prevent
the runner from getting to 3rd base.

NOTE: Some coaches may teach the 1st baseman is to move towards
the 3rd base line and have the RF player come in to cover 2nd base.
This should only be a thought if there is a runner on 1 st base and there
is a potential to have a play at home. The 1st baseman must judge the
speed of the runner and when the
OF picks up the ball. This is why
“floating” towards 2nd base,
between the bag and the
pitchers mound allows quick
reaction to either 2nd base
if no play will be made at
the plate or towards the 3rd
base side of the pitchers mound
if there looks to be a possible play
and then the 1st baseman becomes a
cutoff from a relay throw by the SS in
mid-left field.
Playing 2nd Base
A S E C O N D B A S E M A N I S T H E P L AY E R
O N T H E T E A M P L AY I N G D E F E N S E
WHO FIELDS THE AREA TO FIRST
BASE SIDE OF SECOND BASE AND
TO THE SECOND BASE SIDE OF THE
FIRST BASEMAN. IN THE
NUMBERING SYSTEM USED TO
R E C O R D D E F E N S I V E P L AY S ,
THE FIRST BASEM AN IS ASSIGNED
THE NUMBER 4.
A S E C O N D B A S E M A N I S I N V O LV E D
I N P L AY S D U R I N G A G A M E T H AT
INCLUDES DEFENDING STEALS,
D O U B L E P L AY S , R E L AY S A N D B A L L S
P U T I N T O P L AY T O T H E R I G H T S I D E
OF THE FIELD.
2nd Baseman
Position / Stance / Footwork

The most important job for the second baseman is to cover the large area between 1st and 2nd
base. The 1st baseman can only move a short distance away from 1st base to catch a ball hit
to the right side of the field and therefore a 2nd baseman must be quick in reaction and have a
terrific glove. Second basemen are rarely required to make throws anywhere but to first base
or to the shortstop covering 2nd; therefore, arm strength is not a concern as it is at third or
short. Above all, a second baseman must be able to make decisions and think on his feet, as
he has many responsibilities.

The beginning position for a 2nd baseman will be about 2/3rds of the way from 1st Base to
second base for normal. During double play possible at bats, the 2nd baseman will “squeeze”
towards second base a little to help in getting to 2nd base quickly in order to get the advancing
runner.

On a ball put in play, quick reaction to the ball is essential. Even if the ball is hit to another
player, the 2nd baseman must move towards the ball to either back up a player (ball hit to 1st
baseman), cover 2nd base or act as a relay.

During a double play you want to place your LEFT side foot on the middle of 2nd base and
square your shoulders to the player throwing you the ball to give a large target. As the ball is
thrown, you will want to step towards the ball with the right foot with the best possible motion
having stepping “across the base” in catching the ball. You may have to step sideways or
backwards if the throw is off target. BE READY to react! Step to every catch. After, and only
after, the ball is thrown do you step with your glove side foot towards where the ball is being
thrown. This step should be just large enough to get yourself away from the base to assist
with your throw.

Make a Target! During double plays or steal attempts hold your glove up around the middle
of your chest. This will give the fielder of the ball a good target. Your arm should be slightly
bent and your glove in a “flat” and open position.

Common mistakes are to step on 2nd base during NON-FORCE plays and to step on 2nd base
with the right foot during double plays. Younger players also forget that they need to cover 1st
base on bunts and back up the first baseman on hits to that position or on some throws to first
base from the SS or 3rd baseman.
Dustin Pedroia in
near perfect form.
Butt down, head
and hands
forward. Top
hand ready to
cover ball upon
entering the glove
Dusting Pedroia
fielding a
ground ball
Robby Cano
working with
fielding coach on
getting to the base
and with proper
footwork in order
to get the out at
second and be
best prepared to
receive the
thrown ball and
then throw the
ball to first.
Notice – Left foot
on top outfield
side of base and
glove in middle of
chest.
Robinson Cano
showing proper
footwork and position
2nd Baseman
Playing the Position – Basics 1

Second base is absolutely vital, and should be filled by one of the best defensive players on
your team. If coached correctly, it can be a key to the team’s defensive effort.

Your job as a second baseman will have you playing in many different areas of the field in
normal play as you could have to cover 1st base on a bunt or cover 2nd base on a double play
or a hit to the out field or you could be in the outfield to become a relay on a deep hit ball to
right or center field.

No runner on 1st Base
 Play about 1/3rd the distance off the 2nd base towards first base. Remember, the
pitcher becomes a fielder as soon as he releases the ball and can expect to cover
some balls hit up the middle. You should be about 4 to 6 feet deep from the base
path at a minimum. The older the players in your division the deeper you should be
playing. At the highest levels of play, many second baseman will play at the edge of
the infield where the grass portion of the outfield starts.

Runner on 1st Base
 Play closer to 2nd base unless the batter is a left handed hitter. This is to help in
double plays attempts making it easier to get to 2nd base quickly

If the ball is hit to the right side, towards you and the 1st baseman you must quickly move to
the ball and assume the play is yours.
 No Runner on 1st
 Your throw should be calmly made to 1st. Remember, you have the closest
throw of any position on the field.
 Runner on 1st
 Your throw can be to 2nd or 1st so you need to be aware of the position of the
runner as you catch the ball. Do not try to always get the runner going to
second but look at where the runner is and make a decision to throw it to 2nd
only if you think you can get the runner out. Remember, you still have an out
to get at 1st base! The priority is the lead runner at 2nd .
 Runners on 2nd or 3rd and no runner on 1st
 Your best play is to get the out at 1st base.
 It would be extremely rare to attempt to get a runner going from 2nd to 3rd on a
ball hit to second.
 Unless the manager has brought the infield in (players on the grass) you will
not attempt to get a runner going from 3rd to home. You will go for the sure out
at first and allow the runner to score.
2nd Baseman
Playing the Position – Basics 2

On hits to the outfield you will need to be on the move. Standing still is not acceptable.

Ball hit to RF or CF
 No Runners On or Runner on 2nd or 3rd Only
 Second baseman will move towards OF and try to line up between the fielder
and 2nd base. They need to get onto the grass area of the outfield and be
more than ½ the distance away from the right fielder but not more than ¾ of
the distance from the right fielder to 2nd base.
 If the ball is a short hit, expect the throw to go all the way to SS covering 2nd
base and step to the side and do not try to catch the ball. Still expect an easy
throw and then a throw into the pitcher or SS who should be covering 2nd base.
 If the ball is hit deep towards the fence, the second baseman needs to move
deeper into outfield. For every 2 steps the right fielder takes away from the
second baseman the second baseman should move 1 step towards to right
fielder.
 Be ready to relay the ball all the way to 3rd base. With a ball hit deep
the player is almost assured a double and there is rarely a play there
and the SS and Pitcher should be telling the 2nd baseman if the batter
is trying to get to 3rd base.
st
 Runner on 1
 Move toward outfield but not as deep because you may have to relay the ball
all the way to 3rd base. They need to be a little more half way from 3rd base,
which for normal depth of a RF/CF player is just about the grass edge.
 Only throw to 3rd base if you are 100% sure of getting the runner. If there is a
throw and no out at 3rd is made the other team will probably have runners on
2nd and 3rd as the batter might try for 2nd on the throw to 3rd depending on outs.
 It is better to have 1st and 3rd as the possible double play is still in order
or if two outs you have two plays for an out – 2nd and 1st base!
nd
 Runner on 2 – Hit does not get by OF
 Move toward 1st base to cover the base in case the 1st baseman cuts the throw
home and is trying to get the batter-runner who makes to “wide” a turn at first
and there is no play at home.
 If ball hit over the heads of the OF the player should play the No Runner setup
Runner on 2nd
and hit to either
CF or RF with a
possible play at
the plate.
Be ready for a
throw from the 1st
baseman if he
cuts the ball is
going to try and
get runner at 1st
base.
Remember – this
is a normal hit
ball to RF or CF –
not a deep hit ball
that gets past OF.
In that case there
will be no play at
home and player
should play as
though there were
no runners on.
Proper Cutoff position
for 2nd Baseman
with runner on 2nd
w/ hit to RF or CF
2nd Baseman
Playing the Position – Basics 3

Ball hit to SS or 3rd
 No Runners On or on 2nd or 3rd only.
 Second baseman will move towards 1st base. Make movement towards grass
and dirt line behind 1st base. This will allow you to react to an overthrow that
could bounce at an angle back into the field of play towards the outfield side of
1st base.
 DO NOT GO TOWARDS THE ACTUAL BASE!
 Runner on 1st base
 Move to 2nd base
 STAND ON BASE with left foot if you can get there before throw arrives.
 Be ready for a throw and quick reactions to move toward to ball if thrown from
3rd baseman and step across to attempt double play with throw to first.
 See The Pivot Section

Ball hit to LF (not deep or past LF player)
 No Runners On or Runner on 2nd and/or 3rd
 Second baseman will move towards 2nd base and should ready to receive
throw and tag runner attempting to get to 2nd base.
 DO NOT STAND ON BASE!!
 Runner on 1st base
 Move to 2nd base as with No Runner defense
 DO NOT STAND ON BASE!!
 Call which base to throw towards. If SS cuts the ball he needs to know if the
runner is trying to make 3rd base from 1st on the hit. Not usually smart for the
runner to do that because of the short distance between LF and 3rd base but it
does happen.
 Be ready for a throw from SS if the runner gets too far away from 2nd base and
is not attempting to get to 3rd. Quick reactions and good communication
between players can get that runner!
Ball hit to LF and goes to fence
 Move into a double cut position by positioning yourself about 15 feet behind the SS
who is in the outfield as the primary cutoff. There will almost always be no play at 2nd
base and the thought is the play is at 3rd. The 1st baseman will be moving toward 2nd
base to cover on such a deep hit allowing you to become the double cut.
 Important to be behind the SS so that a missed ball can be caught quickly.

Runner on 1st and
hit to LF with a
possible play at
3rd base.
Be ready for a
throw from the SS
if he cuts the ball
is going to try and
get runner at 2nd
base.
Remember – this
is a normal hit
ball to LF, not a
deep hit ball that
gets past OF. In
that case there
will be no play at
2nd and the 2nd
baseman should
move to become a
backup (double
cut off) to the SS
who has moved
deeper into the
outfield as the
primary cutoff .
Proper Cutoff position
for 2nd Baseman
with runner on 1st
w/ hit to LF
2nd Baseman
Turning 2 – The Pivot

The Double Play is considered one of the most beautiful plays in all of baseball. It takes
exceptional timing and catching and throwing skill. Even so, it can be taught through
practicing the basic skills needed to perform the “Pitcher’s Best Friend.”

As the Pivot Player – Receiving the ball at 2nd base
 Use the Free Right Foot Method
 Left Foot on the top of the base.
 Right foot big toe directly across from middle of left foot. No further back!
 Weight should be on balls of both feet with knees flexed/bent.
 Feet should be width of shoulders for good athletic position.
 Right foot should be off the base and to outfield side of 2nd base.
 Glove positioned chest high with shoulders square to the player throwing.
 The Pivot
 Initial step as he receives the ball is with his right foot
 Move towards the ball
 Rocker Step
 With left foot in contact with the base the player steps
back with right foot, transfers weight to this foot, and
then strides toward 1st base with his left foot and throws
 Rocker Step is a very common pivot and is effective at
all levels of play
 Player will end up to the outfield side of the baseline
 Step Across
 With left foot in contact with the base the player will step
“across” the bag towards the throw and plant his right
foot as he catches the ball and on transfer of weight to
the right foot the player will pull foot from base and
stride towards 1st base and throw.
 Stepping across on a perfect throw is the BEST method
 Player goes to meet the ball and starts pivot
sooner
 Rhythm step is started before ball is received
 Player is out of the baseline and to the inside of
the diamond making it more difficult to be taken
out of the play
 Get out of the runner’s way!
As the ball travels
to 2nd base the
player steps on
the middle of the
base and squares
his body to
receive the throw.
The player must
be ready to move
towards the ball
and then throw
the ball to first
while avoiding
the oncoming
runner
Chase Utley
“turning 2”
with proper
footwork and position
2nd Baseman
Playing the Position – Turning 2





Be there in Time
 The most important factor is turning a double play is getting to 2nd base before
the ball arrives.
 “Cheat” up the middle. Player will move slightly toward 2nd base from their
normal position. This is usually 2 to 3 steps closer home and to 2nd base.
Many managers move their players too far towards the base leaving a large
hole in the defense.
Get ONE out for sure
 Primary responsibility of the 2nd baseman is to get the lead runner at 2nd base
and not to throw out the runner at first.
 Many younger player are eager at trying to get the out at first and the usual
results are no outs are made.
Body Balance
 As the player approaches 2nd base they should go from a run to a chop step.
These steps help the player control their balance and weight. Chop steps also
make stepping on 2nd base with the LEFT foot easier.
Throwing Rhythm
 DON’T THROW FLAT FOOTED
 Take step with right foot as ball is about to be caught towards direction of ball.
 Tell your 2nd baseman – “Get to your Right leg” for rhythm and power to throw
to first base.
Step directly toward 1st base
 With the player planting their right foot on catching the throw in step above the
player must step directly toward 1st base with their LEFT foot.
 If a line were drawn from his pivot foot (Right) to first base, the striding foot
(Left) would be placed down slightly to the left of this line.
 Failure to step directly towards first base will have the player throwing across
his body which limits throwing speed and accuracy. (Unless you are Robby
Cano)
2nd Baseman
Playing the Position – Turn 2 cont.



Stay out of Baseline
 Use proper footwork to step away from the runner’s path
 Best to step across with right foot during transfer from left to right foot upon
catching the ball and then step toward 1st base with the left as this gets you to
the inside of the runner and out of the baseline for a clean throw.
 A step backwards with the right foot (pivot foot) is acceptable but takes you
less out of the baseline and leaves you more open to a take out slide by the
runner and your throw will be closer to the baseline path.
 Tell your player that 1st base never moves and it is the runner’s responsibility
to slide or move from the path of the ball.
Thumb to Thumb
 To help with quickness, the throwing hand should be carried alongside the
glove with your “thumbs together.”
 The ball can be removed from glove more quickly than if the glove has to be
brought back to the throwing hand.
Use SS throw action
 The throw from 2nd to 1st during a double play must be quick and a long circling
arm throw takes time.
 Use the compact arm action when throwing, like a SS does on normal plays
 When ball is caught in the glove, the glove and the ball are pushed as far to
the throwing side as possible.
 Elbow leads the way going back and up.
 Hand is kept on top of the ball.
 Ball does not drop below the belt
 “Listen to the ball” – Bring the ball in a compact circle to close to your
ear and release with your wrist above the ball and throwing keeping
your wrist, arm and elbow at shoulder level.
 Finish the throw arm high and pinky finger pointed up to the sky.
After catching the
ball the 2nd
baseman
transfers the ball
from glove to
hand and in a
compact circle
throwing motion
brings ball
shoulder height
as if he was
“listening to the
ball” to begin
quick throw to 1st
base.
See how he uses
the base as
protection against
incoming slide. A
step across
method gets you
out of the sliding
line of an on
coming runner.
Omar Infante’s
compact throwing
style shown
Playing 3rd Base
A T H I R D B A S E M A N I S T H E P L AY E R
O N T H E T E A M P L AY I N G D E F E N S E
WHO FIELDS THE AREA NEAREST
THIRD BASE, AND IS RESPONSIBLE
F O R T H E M A J O R I T Y O F P L AY S M A D E
AT T H AT B A S E . I N T H E N U M B E R I N G
SYSTEM USED TO RECORD
D E F E N S I V E P L AY S , T H E F I R S T
BASEM AN IS ASSIGNED THE
NUMBER 5.
A T H I R D B A S E M A N I S I N V O LV E D I N
P L AY S T H AT R A N G E F R O M T H E
SOFTEST HITS, BUNTS, TO SOME OF
THE HARDEST HITS, THUS GIVING IT
NICKNAME – THE HOT CORNER .
3rd Baseman
Position / Stance / Footwork

The most important job for the 3rd baseman is to cover the area down the 3rd base foul line of
the infield. The SS will cover much of the left side of the field on ground balls as they play
deeper in the infield, but the 3rd baseman must range to both left and right covering the line
and getting to softly hit balls toward SS. Third basemen are required to make throws to all
bases and therefore arm strength is a concern and a very strong throwing arm is a must.

Normal position will be about 6 to 10 feet to the 2nd base side of 3rd base and depending on
the strength of the batter, the player could be as close to the batter as the grass of the infield
or well behind 3rd base.

On a ball put in play, quick reaction to the ball is essential. There is a reason this position is
call “The Hot Corner.” Right handed hitters that turn on pitches can hit some of the hardest
hit balls to this position leaving very little time to react. Good hands and quick reactions are a
must!

Fielders at other positions often have the time to round the ball and play it in front of them.
For the most part, the third baseman doesn't have this luxury. At third base you must be able
to cross over quickly and get to the ball hit to either side. Work very hard on your lateral
movement and fielding ground balls, both backhanded and to your glove hand side.

The Third baseman will act as a cutoff during some hits to left field and will cover 3rd base
during any other hit.