Outfield skills are too often under coached. Too often, only the weaker defenders are assigned outfield duty and the best players have determined early that they are too good to play the outfield. By the time a collegiate career comes around, many players have never been taught any of the necessary skills to play the outfield positions and thus must start at ground zero.
After years of being a shortstop (or pitcher, etc.), it is a daunting prospect for a player to move into that last line of defense. There is no reason why all players do not learn all skills at an early age, regardless of where the present team needs her talents.
At the earliest ages, outfielders are an afterthought. How many youth coaches have kids jumping up and down to play left field? There are many reasons why it is the place to put the weakest fielders: not as many balls are hit out there and they don’t come as fast.
We can get by without a strong outfield. As the level of play advances, often the coaching improves but the outfielders still too often shag a few fly balls and are admonished to “hit the cut” But the how-to-mechanics are ignored or simply not given the emphasis that they need.
All players should have a working knowledge of, and some experience in,outfield play. Overall player development should include a core group of skills imperative to strong outfield play. Overhand throwing, fielding fly balls and groundballs, footwork, communication and confidence are all crucial components of a solid outfielder. READ MORE
