How To Play The Shortstop Position

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If you are the shortstop of any baseball game, you will want to make sure to not stop short. By understanding your position on the field, you will be able to see the plays through and stop the opponents in their tracks. By knowing some of the techniques to see through with every play, the shortstop will have the ability to run the field against the other team.

The number one rule for any shortstop is to keep communication open with the other players. Shortstops, unlike the players on the bases, have the ability to see the field from a different perspective, giving them the ability to see the entire situation and what needs to be done. Because of this, it will be important for the shortstop to be a link between the second and third bases, as well as see which way the ball needs to go. The shortstop will also need to keep open communication with the pitcher to see what type of ball is being thrown, so there can be anticipation about how to respond. Another communication duty of shortstops is to let others know when they have the ball. Teaching shortstops to say things like "I got it" can help to move the game at an easier pace.

After the shortstop is able to see the entire picture of the play and communicate with other players, it will be time for them to step up to the plate for the different plays that may occur. One that should always be looked for is the ground balls. If there is a ball that is coming towards the shortstop on the ground, they will have the ability to move out of their position and move to a spot in the field where they can get the ground ball. Unlike basemen, the shortstop needs to have the ability to maneuver around a larger amount of space in order to pick up the speed of the game.

Of course, the other plays that may occur may also affect the way that the shortstop reacts. The first is a double play. If the shortstop sees that the second baseman is throwing a double play, for instance, the shortstop will need to be sure to catch the ball and pivot in order to either get the player out or get the ball to third base. With an appeal play, the shortstop, instead of throwing the ball to another base will get the player out himself. The techniques for knowing when to do this and how to get the opponent will most likely require more activity than other bases and are important to practice.
If you are working on the position of shortstop, then knowing how to call the plays is the basis for success. By doing this, the one which is playing that position will have the ability to keep the team in line with each other and to get past the bases and into better plays. Knowing the focus for the shortstop will help to determine what moves are best made.