You’re probably already aware of how much fun playing baseball is for participants. Others may have never gone to a game or know what they’re missing. You will learn all sorts of tips from this article that will help you improve your level of enjoyment in the game.
During tryouts, be friendly and respectful to everyone. Always use manners when talking to coaches and teammates. This will show that you’re mature and almost always work in your favor.
Practice your defense. Sure pitching and batting get all of the glory, but being a great defensive player is worth just as much to your team. The ability to save a run is just as valuable as the ability to create a run. Both are needed to win ball games.
Build a good relationship with your coach. When you play baseball, the most important authority figure in your life is your coach. Get to know him, and pay attention to the advice that he gives you. Ask questions and be willing to try things his way, and you’re going to be a better player for it.
When swinging the bat, aim for the top center area of the ball. This will keep your bat aligned properly and will make it more likely that you will hit the ball every time. However if you want to hit home runs, aim for the bottom of the ball. You may miss more often, but your balls will get the height they need.
Before stepping in to face a new pitcher, take a couple of practice swings while he’s facing another batter. Use the time to measure the pitcher’s timing. This will give you a better opportunity to have a quality at bat against the pitcher. Otherwise, you may be outclassed pretty quickly.
Shaving cream can be used to break in a new baseball glove. When you get a new glove, spray a handful of shaving cream into your hand and rub it into the pocket area of the glove. Next place a baseball there and tie a rope around the glove and baseball. Repeat this process a few times for the first month you have the glove.
When fielding a ground ball, square up on the ball before catching. Many young players go for a side glove catch or a one-handed grab, but with each you are increasing your chances for an error. If you’ve got the time to get in front of the ball, do so. Use both hands and bend at the knees to help block against a bad hop.
To be a better player in the outfield, you have to be moving. If you stand in the same position too long, your legs can get tight and you will not be able to run when a ball is headed your way. The best way to stay moving is to take a few steps between pitches.
Keep an eye on the signs from your coaches as you are running bases. They can see the entire field. Keep your eye on the bases rather than the ball when running. Allow the base coach to tell you whether to run or stay. If they give the signal to stop, end your run at then next base. If they tell you to go, then run as fast as you can.
If a ball is headed straight towards you and you’re being blinded by the sun, use your glove to block it. Raising the glove over your eyes works to block the sun’s intensity while allowing you to watch to ball as well.
If you wish to get more from a stretch when you’re on first base, your foot should be beneath where your throwing hand is on base. Reach the glove out towards that throw coming up, stepping using your other foot and stretching while you keep your first foot touching the base.
Don’t ignore the baseball uniform. Every team has a uniform that they wear. It’s an important aspect of the game. Don’t ignore the tradition and team atmosphere by refusing to wear certain aspects of the uniform. This can lead to bad blood not only between you and your coaches, but also between you and your fellow teammates.
When it is time to bat, you must know how to line up correctly at home base. Your body should be facing home plate. Plant your feet about shoulder width apart and slightly bend your knees. Extend the baseball bat to the plate to ensure that the tip of it lines up with the farthest side of the base.
Choke up on your bat to speed up your swing. To choke up on the bat means to move your hands up higher on the bat and closer to the barrel of the bat. Your swing will be faster and more compact. If the pitcher’s throw is fast, this will help.
Baseball gloves are not cheap, so it’s important to take care of your glove. Routine maintenance includes keeping your glove clean and dry and storing it in a cool, dry area. Occasionally, you should condition your glove. If your glove accidentally gets wet, allow it to air dry and apply leather conditioner to soften it.
Keep baseball cards in plastic sleeves to keep them in mint condition. You can still see the card on both sides while still preventing their exposure to air. Restrict the amount of light your card is exposed to so the color will not fade. Card that are in mind condition are worth a lot more.
Baseball is a terrific game for players of all skill levels, and hopefully the preceding advice will be of use to all of them. All it takes is learning everything you can about the sport. Keep these tips in mind the next time you hit the field and see if you don’t have more fun!
