Tips to remember on baseballs hit where you have to use your backhand. Learn the proper backhand stop technique. If you've ever watched a baseball game before, you know that the baseball isn't necessarily...
If you've ever watched a baseball game before, you know that the baseball isn't necessarily going to be hit to a player all the time. For example, the baseball may be hit into centerfield, but not directly at the center fielder. In these cases, which are more common than not, the baseball player has to depend on being able to adapt to the baseball. For outfielders, it's not that difficult considering the time a baseball takes to travel that distance.
But for infielders, a hard hit baseball could be at their toes in the blink of an eye.
All coaches and experts teach young baseball players to get in front of the baseball when fielding a groundball. But in some cases, the player doesn't have time to get behind the ball. And in those cases, he uses his backhand to make the stop.
Kevin McMullan coached in the Atlanta Braves organization and is now an assistant coach at the University of Virginia where he deals directly with infielders. As a former player and current coach, McMullan understands how vital having a solid backhand can mean to an infielder's defensive game.
"Backhand means you are throwing your glove hand to your opposite side," he said. "Proper technique really depends your timing in getting to the ball."
To better illustrate McMullan's definition, imagine a third baseman who is a right hand thrower. His glove will be on his left hand. In a third baseman's situation, his backhand plays will be made on balls hit closer to the foul line and the third base bag. How he fields his backhand, McMullan said can be different for different baseball players.
"In a perfect world you could get your right foot in line with the ball and stay below the baseball with your belly button," he said. "Some people teach you to pick up, but I have always taught people to push through the ball."
Once the infielder has fielded the baseball with his backhand, the next step is making a solid throw to the base for the out. Naturally, coaches would like for their infielders to circle the baseball and field it with a continuous motion to the base needed for the out. But with a backhand, most times any movement to the base has been halted. That's why the throw is very important because it will normally be an all-arm throw.
Now, should the infielder throw overhand or side-arm when making a backhand stop?
According to McMullan, it all depends on the infielder.
"I think it really depends on your natural slot and where you bring the baseball that dictates your arm swing," he said. "I think in a perfect world, it's probably a high three-quarter slide to the three-quarter slot. It really depends on how your arm works. I would stay with the natural throwing motion."
Also, there are times when the infielder will make a backhand stop with his momentum taking him away from the base he wants to throw to. In those cases,and only recommended with years of practice,McMullan said the infielder should make a leaping throw back across the baseball diamond. But don't expect to get the runner out on this play too many times.
"Running throws will usually end up safe," he said. "But, it all depends on the infielder's athleticism."
