Various starting positions for outfielders

[SluggerCF91]

I understand different people like to start in different positions in the outfield. What are the benefits of starting with body turned to one side? Or is it better to start off square to the batter? Is it necessary to take a few steps in during the pitch? Will staying real low increase or decrease my speed to the baseball out of my initial position?

This is such a basic topic, but I'm curious to learn different styles. I've been struggling in the outfield so this might help.

[POHusKy9]

when im in center, i square up because its pretty much 50/50 which side the guys going to hit it. unless you know that the batter likes to pull, i would stay squared up

now when i play the corner of positions, i like to open up towards center field

im thinking its mostly just a personal preference

[TG Coach]

I understand different people like to start in different positions in the outfield. What are the benefits of starting with body turned to one side? Or is it better to start off square to the batter? Is it necessary to take a few steps in during the pitch? Will staying real low increase or decrease my speed to the baseball out of my initial position?

This is such a basic topic, but I'm curious to learn different styles. I've been struggling in the outfield so this might help.

I coach a 14U USSSA Majors team. We have our outfielders step up to a stance square to the plate. The purpose of stepping up every pitch is to be ready to break on the crack of the bat. Some outfielders mind's wander at times. Stepping up prevents it.

[Centerfielder2]

Im a 10th graders now and ive been tought both ways

but at the upper level camps n showcases i went to they said to square up because you can go both ways easier insted of one or the other

but u should step up toward the plate when the balls being pitched
kinda like the creep step for infielders

Rudy

[SluggerCF91]

when im in center, i square up because its pretty much 50/50 which side the guys going to hit it. unless you know that the batter likes to pull, i would stay squared up

now when i play the corner of positions, i like to open up towards center field

im thinking its mostly just a personal preference

I coach a 14U USSSA Majors team. We have our outfielders step up to a stance square to the plate. The purpose of stepping up every pitch is to be ready to break on the crack of the bat. Some outfielders mind's wander at times. Stepping up prevents it.

Im a 10th graders now and ive been tought both ways

but at the upper level camps n showcases i went to they said to square up because you can go both ways easier insted of one or the other

but u should step up toward the plate when the balls being pitched
kinda like the creep step for infielders

Rudy
I agree with you, and I like POHusKy9's idea of opening up to CF when I play RF/LF. This of course is a personal preference, but I feel being square to the batter is the best position to go in all directions. I also feel the step during the pitch is necessary too.

Now, as far as actual stance goes during the pitch, I see some outfielders crouched all the way down like they are going to steal a base, and I see some outfielders loose and bouncing on their toes in an upright position. Which position will help an outfielder to get the best jump on the ball?

[TG Coach]

I agree with you, and I like POHusKy9's idea of opening up to CF when I play RF/LF. This of course is a personal preference, but I feel being square to the batter is the best position to go in all directions. I also feel the step during the pitch is necessary too.

Now, as far as actual stance goes during the pitch, I see some outfielders crouched all the way down like they are going to steal a base, and I see some outfielders loose and bouncing on their toes in an upright position. Which position will help an outfielder to get the best jump on the ball?

I don't like to see outfielders with their hands on their knees. It means they're standing flatfooted. Anything that helps get a good jump will do.

[SluggerCF91]

Anything that helps get a good jump will do.
What position would an outfielder get a better jump from? staying real low, or more upright?

[Centerfielder2]

up on the balls of your feet is generally good

but in between pitches it really doesnt matter what ur doing as long as when the pitchers delivering the ball your stepping in and on the balls on ur feet

[SluggerCF91]

up on the balls of your feet is generally good

but in between pitches it really doesnt matter what ur doing as long as when the pitchers delivering the ball your stepping in and on the balls on ur feet
Okay, being on the balls of feet is definite. But which is better, to be crouched down? or to be upright like Muhammad Ali hopping around?

[Williamsburg2599]

Okay, being on the balls of feet is definite. But which is better, to be crouched down? or to be upright like Muhammad Ali hopping around?

As a OFer my self, I prefer to be somewhat upright, so I don't have to move my head before I start to go after the ball. If you start crouched and then have to move to the upright position, the ball may appear to "jump" on you. I stand with a little bend in my knees, but not as much as a middle IF or something.

[Centerfielder2]

Id go with wats relaxed to you

[SluggerCF91]

As a OFer my self, I prefer to be somewhat upright, so I don't have to move my head before I start to go after the ball. If you start crouched and then have to move to the upright position, the ball may appear to "jump" on you. I stand with a little bend in my knees, but not as much as a middle IF or something.
Its really a coincidence that you say that, because I feel when I go after fly balls, my head moves too much, and I loose track of the ball, and I makes errors. This might be because I start out too low.

Also, when your run after balls in the gaps, do you sprint full speed, or do you glide to where the ball is going to land? Because I have found sprinting full speed to make my head bobble too much.

[Williamsburg2599]

Its really a coincidence that you say that, because I feel when I go after fly balls, my head moves too much, and I loose track of the ball, and I makes errors. This might be because I start out too low.

Also, when your run after balls in the gaps, do you sprint full speed, or do you glide to where the ball is going to land? Because I have found sprinting full speed to make my head bobble too much.

Depends on the game situation, but I'm usually going full speed. Once you practice enough, you get passed the ball bouncing up and down. Of course, try not to move your head a lot, but should be able to adjust and make the catch. And of course, Practice, Practice, Practice, the more you practice the less the ball seems to move on you. Maybe some of the coaches around here can be of more help, I usually don't have a problem with the ball "moving" on me. :shrug:

[cosmo34]

Because I have found sprinting full speed to make my head bobble too much.

That probably means you are running on your heels. If you run on your toes, there tends to be less head movement.

As for the body position- I've always liked to be squared to the field, get a good "pre-pitch" so I'm ready to move, and more straight up than crouched (just a simple bend in the knees).

I don't think there is an absolute "this is right" in terms of getting on the move quicker for how crouched/uncrouched you are. It's more personal preference. I've seen some players crouched low with a wide, almost stationary stance, and some just like I described myself as being. It's all about you being comfortable.

[SluggerCF91]

Depends on the game situation, but I'm usually going full speed. Once you practice enough, you get passed the ball bouncing up and down. Of course, try not to move your head a lot, but should be able to adjust and make the catch. And of course, Practice, Practice, Practice, the more you practice the less the ball seems to move on you. Maybe some of the coaches around here can be of more help, I usually don't have a problem with the ball "moving" on me. :shrug:
I was once at the point where I could run full speed after a ball without my head moving to much, that was last year when my father would take me to practice at a field a lot. Now, I don't have anyone to take me to a field to practice, none of my friends want to burn in the heat for an hour. Asking coaches would probably be the best thing to do, but I don't see them much, except for when we have games, and there isn't enough time to ask for some practice. Aside from that, I have no way to get better defensively...
That probably means you are running on your heels. If you run on your toes, there tends to be less head movement.

As for the body position- I've always liked to be squared to the field, get a good "pre-pitch" so I'm ready to move, and more straight up than crouched (just a simple bend in the knees).

I don't think there is an absolute "this is right" in terms of getting on the move quicker for how crouched/uncrouched you are. It's more personal preference. I've seen some players crouched low with a wide, almost stationary stance, and some just like I described myself as being. It's all about you being comfortable.
Thats interesting, Ive heard that running heel-to-toe allows for less head movement. Ill try it out though. I like the idea of having knees slightly bent.

[cosmo34]

Thats interesting, Ive heard that running heel-to-toe allows for less head movement. Ill try it out though. I like the idea of having knees slightly bent.

Just something I've noticed through my own observations of myself and talking with coaches.