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Online now: 1 member: k man; 38 anonymousDiscussion: OVER THE SHOULDER FLY BALLS
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Dec. 22, 2009 Paco13 424 posts | OVER THE SHOULDER FLY BALLS I need some advise/drills on how to improve on this. Back in PR we had a drill in which the coach (behind us) would tell us to take of running and he will throw the ball and we were to catch it turn around and find him. Even at the major league level this is a very difficult play. How the wide receivers make it look so easy? |
Dec. 22, 2009 DD Men's 75 92 posts | Paco 13---the best advice is to take as many flyballs in practice as you can. We all tend to focus on BP as the primary way we work out...but you can practice your flyball technique during BP very easily. Also, have a coach fungo flyballs to you when the team gets together...or even right before a game there is usually time for few flyballs. Some hints: if you are on the left side of the outfield with a righthanded hitter up, the towering flyball he hits will (usually-not always) hook toward the line...while a lefty's ball will tend to slice toward the line. In addition to the distance you estimate the ball will travel, you must also allow for some drift as you track those balls. On the right side of the outfield, the effects are generally opposite... the lefthanded hitter's high flyball will hook toward the line while the right handed hitter's ball will slice toward the line. Remembering these tendencies can help with the all-important first step as you turn your body to give chase. Also, be sure to measure the wind direction by tossing a few blades of grass every couple of hitters or so...to know which direction the ball might be blown. The hot bats we use can put an amazing amount of movement on some flyballs and line drives...but in general terms, the movement described above is consistent in most game conditions. When you get near the fence, be sure your outfield teammate is talking to you about how much room you have before hitting the fence...and try to find the fence first with your bare hand while keeping your eye on the ball...then move forward if possible to catch the ball. Warning tracks can be a big help in this, but we don't always have them...so outfield communication can mean the difference between a catch, a hit, or worst of all, an injury by running into the fence. Defense wins. |
Dec. 22, 2009 mad dog Men's 65 4190 posts | DD he is a SS,but the OF advice is just as good for them. paco you have the drill to use.in high school our football coach would do that with the reciever's and you would have to look up to find the ball.have someone help you with that,ball doesn't have to be hit,just have them throw it for you.just start in your position and have them throw it hi and to the OF for you to chase down. |