"Coach Dunn's Quick Pitches" — By Coach Jack Dunn

The Outfield

An outfielder must be a good judge of a fly ball, must have the ability to “get a jump” on a batted ball, must be fast afoot, and possess a good overhand throwing arm.

The center fielder covers the greatest acreage. Therefore, he should be able to start quickly on fly balls, throw well for distance, field in all directions—front, back left, right—and field ground balls.

The center fielder should be the outfield quarterback, should take complete charge and claim every hit ball until taken off by a right or left fielder, by a mouth yell or physical arm motion.

I. Fly balls

1. Get under the ball as quickly as possible.
2. Balls above the waist, caught with palms straight out or lifted toward the coming ball.
3. If the ball is over your head, turn and run, turn according to the wind, etc. Don't run backwards.
4. Never stop if you have a chance of catching it.

II. Ground balls

1. Get in front of the ball. Drop to one knee to block the ball.
2. If there is a play at the base, line up with the play and try to take it in stride.

III. Throws

1. Always be set and use a full-arm throw.
2. Use a hop about fifty feet from the plate (unless the throw is a short one, throw on a hop).
3. Balls pick up speed off the grass.
4. Throw ahead of the runner (on base) unless he is close to the base.

IV. Important defense plays

1. The right fielder backs up first base on all bunted balls. He backs up second base on all balls thrown from the left side of the diamond.
2. The center fielder backs up second base on all bunts and also on all attempted outs at the bag.
3. The left fielder backs up second base on all attempted outs from the right side of the diamond and backs up third base on all attempted outs at the bag.
4. With a straightaway hitter, the outfielders should divide the space between the foul lines equally between them.
   1. With a left-field hitter, the left fielder plays closer to the line, the center fielder moves into left center, the right fielder goes to right center, but not too deep.
   2. With a right field hitter, the right fielder plays close to the line, the center fielder goes right center and the left fielder goes to center field, but not too deep.
5. If a hard wind is blowing toward the infield, fielders play in. If a hard wind is blowing out, play deeper. A cross wind causes the ball to curve.

V. Suggestions

1. Outfielders must know where the runner is, in order to throw the ball immediately after receiving it.
2. Throw on a line.
3. When two outfielders are in a position to catch a fly, the one who should make the catch is whoever is in the best position to throw it after the catch.
4. The outfielder throws the first of a relay through, about shoulder high.
5. Get rid of the ball fast.
6. If a fielder is weak on running back to get deep fly balls, he should play deeper.
7. After catching a fly ball close to the infield, with runners on, run immediately toward the infield.
8. Fly balls which can be taken by both an infielder and an outfielder should be taken by an outfielder, who shouts, “I have it!”
9. The decision whether or not to catch a foul fly depends on the innings, the score, and whether the outfielder is within safe throwing distance of home plate or the base at which the play is to be made.

For more from Coach Dunn click on Coaches Corner on the JUGS® website.