| Yes, as youth baseball coaches we have to | | | | that for"? Then they go right back to ignoring the |
| overcome an unfair stigma that outfield is where | | | | outfield positions again. |
| we hide less skilled players during a game. To | | | | Keeping one coach watching outfielders in youth |
| some extent that is correct. In youth baseball | | | | baseball is a big help. Perhaps it could be rotated |
| leagues under 10 years old, there fewer balls hit | | | | among the coaching staff. A good youth baseball |
| into the outfield. What a player catches a fly ball in | | | | coach can keep players in the game by heaping |
| the outfield, it is an exciting and uplifting play for | | | | on praise for being ready, proper fielding position, |
| the team, more than a routine grounder can | | | | and for hustling to back up on all throws, or other |
| provide. | | | | fielders. Positive reinforcement will go all long ways |
| As youth baseball coaches, we must build up | | | | towards improving your team's overall outfield |
| playing outfield as very important ,because it is. | | | | play. |
| From the first day in practice, we should talk | | | | Outfielders will need to be praised often to keep |
| about the importance of how good outfield play | | | | them ready to make an important play. This is |
| can change the outcome of a game. We can also | | | | especially true in younger age groups. Try rotating |
| mention how good play in the outfield can shut | | | | the outfield positions if possible to keep interest in |
| down the momentum of the other team. | | | | the players. Let them know that on every pitch |
| But when the outfielders are not given positive | | | | they can still get into the ready position ,and |
| feedback for doing little hustle things, like backing | | | | creep in three steps just like the infielders do. |
| up of bases, or other players, they can lose focus | | | | So remember to pay more attention to your |
| and just stand in their positions doing nothing. | | | | outfielders this year ,and heap on the praise, |
| When one of my best players, who had been put | | | | especially for hustle. Outfield is the most |
| in outfield for couple innings during a game told | | | | underrated position in youth baseball. A good |
| me," I like outfield all you do is stand there". I just | | | | outfield is an additional weapon that can be used |
| shook my head, and thought about what the | | | | to win baseball games. This will not happen |
| player had said. | | | | overnight. It must start from the first day of |
| The misconception that all you do is stand there is | | | | practice. So start planning additional outfield drills |
| reinforced by many coaches. They ignore | | | | now for your spring practices, and make a good |
| outfielders until a mistake is made then they yell | | | | outfield one of your priorities. |
| out at the player" what happened,or what to do | | | | |