Drawing in Your Outfield

Have you ever seen a team with their infielders at the minimum distance away from the plate and the outfields almost on the dirt? There's good reason for this and is a very strategic play used often in the majors.

If you are in the bottom of the last inning, with the winning run on 3rd, and less then 2 away, this is when you do it. A deep fly ball caught will still score that 3rd base runner, so it doesn't matter if you catch it or it lands on the grass, if it's out in the outfield, it's effective. So here's how you set it up.

Your infielders need to be close to the batter to protect against the dreaded power bunt. 50 feet from the batter is ideal, but not all players are that comfortable at that distance. The exception is first base, who needs to be ready for a throw. If the ball is hit to an infielder, quickly check the runner, and throw to one, who then needs to start moving towards home plate if the 3rd base player is dancing. If the runner is going, throw it without hesitation.

Your outfielders should position themselves about 10 feet off the grass, close enough to make a throw home. If the ball gets to them, hold the runner. Any throw to make a play could advance the runner, so get the ball to the pitcher.

Lastly, your pitcher needs to be aware of the fields positioning and throw low pitches, inside. By low, I am not saying flat. A low flat pitch will be sent over the fence in no time. I mean a pitch with good arc that comes in low in the strike zone. The pitcher also has to be strategic in who he pitches to. Is a good hitter up with a mediocre one behind? Walk him. His run doesn't matter, it's all about the guy on 3rd base.

When you get 2 outs, remember to move your outfielders back out, as the catch signifies the 3rd out. This may seem simple, but being caught up in the moment this can be a costly oversight.

for Slopitch Coaching 101
Bradley Holbrook