Gil Mcdougald On The Art Of Infielding

Decoy a runner on throws from right field by standing casually until the last split second before the throw comes in.

On left-field throws, anchor your left foot next to the base, then pivot on it as you sweep your glove around for the tag.

Be alert for the smart base runner who may slide wide and grab the base with his hand on throws coming from left field.

Hold the ball high as you drive the base runner in a rundown. This allows you to throw the ball at exactly the right instant, without any hesitation.

Never hide the ball in a rundown. You want to be sure that the other fielder sees the ball all the time, so he'll be ready the moment you throw.

Schematic diagram shows that First Baseman Skowron threw ball to McDougald , who ran at runner, turned him, then tossed to Skowron for tag.

On plays in hole short-stop will brake sharply on his right foot (circle) after backhand stop at full speed.

Third baseman cuts to left to field grounder, as shortstop, going far to his right, backs up the play.

Sequence drawing shows shortstop fielding ground ball at extreme left end of his range, behind second base. Second baseman backs up the play as shortstop, still running, throws to first.

Range of the shortstop is huge. Ground balls hit within big pie-shaped sector are, except for bunts, his responsibility. Dotted sector A shows the area he covers behind third baseman, sector B his range in or out, sector C his scope to and beyond second base.