When you are trying to learn how to play better baseball, you must be open to consistently learning new strategies and fundamentals. Each time you progress in the ranks, there are always expectations set and new tactics to learn. So, in essence you can always learn something. This article is here to teach you a few helpful tips to better your game.
Test out a few bat weights to find the one that’s right for you. If a bat is heavy, you’ll slow down your swing, but gain some power. Too slow, though, and you may never catch up with the pitches. You’ve got to strike the right balance, especially if you’ve got a flame thrower on the mound.
Whenever you hit the ball in fair territory, run at full steam. Even if it appears like an easy out, you’ve got to give it your all. It may be that the opposing team misplays the ball, or it may take a tricky bounce giving you just enough time to reach base.
Practice your defense. Sure pitching and batting get all of the glory, but being a great defensive player is worth just as much to your team. The ability to save a run is just as valuable as the ability to create a run. Both are needed to win ball games.
Remember to maximize safety when you are playing a sport. There are many ways injuries occur on the baseball field. In order to minimize your risk of injury, stay aware of the ball’s position at all times. If you fail to pay attention, a ball could hit you in the mouth and result in a broken tooth. Additionally, a sliding player can also cause damage to your legs.
Learn how to play as a team. Baseball may not feel like a team sport in the same way as basketball or football, but it certainly still is one. When you master how to play as a team, especially on defense and when there are men on base in offense, you’ll start winning more games than you lose!
For kids in baseball, make sure they their hands are placed properly for hitting. The top hand on the bat needs to be sitting near the same height as their rear shoulder, about 3 to 6 inches from that rear shoulder. Their rear elbow needs to be around 45-degrees. The front elbow needs to be lower and about even with the back elbow.
Do you have any children or grandchildren that are interested in playing baseball? As in other areas of life, we want to do all we can to help our kids experience success. To develop a quick swing, the hands, wrists and forearms have to be strong. You don’t have to buy expensive equipment to help kids develop better muscle strength. Give your child a tennis ball to squeeze on while watching TV. The tennis ball provides enough resistance to strengthen the hand, wrist and forearm.
While in a comfortable batting position, keep your arms away from your body. Your elbows should be up and away, practically parallel to the ground. Hold the bat at shoulder level and make sure you don’t drop your rear elbow. Practice your stance in front of a large mirror to ensure that your elbows are properly positioned.
Keep both of your eyes on the pitcher when you play baseball. This helps you to see them better versus just using one eye. The earlier you can pick up on the ball, the better your chances are at being successful. Never take your eyes off that ball while you prepare to swing.
Work on improving your batting stance. If you are right-handed, try to lift your left leg when a pitch is released. This is the reverse for left-handers. If the pitch arrives near you, build momentum by heading forward a foot. Younger people should keep their stride forward below a foot, and for adult players, a foot is ideal.
When you are working the outfield, always watch the batter. Right-handed batters hit more balls to left field. On the contrary, a batter who is left handed typically hits in the direction of right field. Understanding these batting mechanics can help you know where the ball will be hit before the pitch is thrown.
To prepare yourself to throw out a runner, when you are catching, hold your throwing hand behind your back. As the pitch approaches, move it up behind the glove, so that you snatch it out of the glove and throw it as quickly as possible, while you jump up to a standing position.
Are you now ready to play some baseball with your team? Taking the tips you’ve read about out there with you on the field will help you play a much better game. Your teammates are counting on you as well as your coach, and you just might make that play that everyone talks about after the game.
