Players will learn critical skills that will set them apart from other outfielders. At a young age, the simple ability to catch the ball is what separates the good and poor outfielders. The higher level of baseball you reach, however, this becomes an expectation. Just think about how rare it is for a college or professional outfielder to simply drop a flyball! With that said, the difference between good and poor outfielders changes. The outfielders that continue to advance to the higher levels are the players that know how to:
Molinari in center field vs UNC Wilmington
Communicate with other outfielders and infielders both before and after the ball is in play, including when to call off your infielder on a shallow flyball
Make smart decisions on where to throw the baseball (if someone else has to tell you where to throw the ball it is too late)
Know your throwing responsibilities (single vs. double cut throws), including why you need to make throws cutable, and what situations it is not necessary to hit a cut
Warm-up your arm with drills that will emphasize proper outfield throwing technique
Know your back-up responsibilities (when you should back up your fellow outfielder vs. when you need to make your way to the infield and back up a potential throw
Make adjustments on your throws to make sure your infielder can handle them, including taking something off your throw to create a receivable hop for you infielder or catcher
How to best handle a tough sun-field
Position themselves to best defend catchable flyballs (this requires a better understanding of an opponents swing – and what batted balls they are physically capable of hitting. Many hitters are physically incapable of pulling balls down the line in the air, and a good outfielder needs to recognize this. Outfielder should position themselves to defend catchable flyballs, not ground balls that may get by the infield)
Hitting
