6-4-3, the Baseball Fielding Position
Contents
- The six different positions on a baseball field
- The four main responsibilities of each position
- The three main types of plays that each position is responsible for
- The specific responsibilities of each position during a play
- The different techniques that fielders use to make plays
- The importance of proper technique in fielding
- The different ways that fielders can misplay a ball
- The importance of practice in fielding
- The different types of training that fielders can use to improve
- The importance of mental preparation in fielding
The 6-4-3 double play is one of the most popular and exciting Plays in Baseball Learn about the 6-4-3 double play and the different fielding positions involved.
The six different positions on a baseball field
In baseball, there are nine fielding positions. The shortstop is the captain of the infield and has the greatest range of any infielder. They are positioned between second and third base. The second baseman is to the right of first base, the third baseman is to the left of first base. The first baseman is positioned near first base, but also needs to be able to field balls hit to the right side of second base. Catchers are positioned behind home plate The center fielder is positioned in center field, while the left and right fielders play in left and right field respectively.
The four main responsibilities of each position
The positions in baseball are fluid, and at any given time, each player on the field occupies a specific position. These positions are not static, however, as players often switch positions during the course of the game. The following is a brief description of the four main responsibilities of each position.
Pitcher: The pitcher is the player who throws the ball to the batter. Pitchers also play a defensive role, as they field balls hit back to them and attempt to prevent runners from stealing bases
Catcher: The catcher is responsible for catching pitches that the batter does not hit. They also help to guide the pitcher towards Throwing strikes and prevent runners from stealing bases.
First baseman: The first baseman is responsible for fielding balls that are hit to them and for tagging out runners who attempt to steal bases. They also help pitchers by catching errant throws and providing support on plays at home plate
Second baseman: The second baseman is responsible for fielding balls hit to them and for tagging out runners who attempt to steal bases. They also help pitchers by catching errant throws and providing support on plays at second base.
Third baseman: The third baseman is responsible for fielding balls hit to them and for tagging out runners who attempt to steal bases. They also help pitchers by catching errant throws and providing support on plays at third base.
Shortstop: The shortstop is responsible for fielding balls hit to them and for tagging out runners who attempt to steal bases. They also help pitchers by catching errant throws and providing support on plays at shortstop.
The three main types of plays that each position is responsible for
In baseball, there are nine fielding positions. Each position is assigned a number:
1-Pitcher
2-Catcher
3-First baseman
4-Second baseman
5-Third baseman
6-Shortstop
7-Left fielder
8-Center fielder
9-Right fielder
The three main types of plays that each position is responsible for are as follows:
1. putout: A putout is the act of getting a batter or baserunner out. There are three ways to make a putout: catching a fly ball in the air; tagging a baserunner with the ball (while he is not touching a base); or forcing a runner, who is touching a base, to run to another base, where he is tagged out by a fielder. Putouts made by the pitcher are recorded differently than putouts made by other fielders; see below.
2. assist: An assist is given to a Defensive Player who fields or throws a batted or thrown ball that puts out another baserunner, provided that another fielder had not already handled the ball prior to the assist. For example, if a shortstop fields a grounder and throws to second base for an out, and the second baseman had not touched the ball beforehand, then the shortstop gets an assist. If on the same play, however, the second baseman fielded the grounder and then threw to first base for an out while the shortstop was already touching first base when he caught the throw from second base (because he ran there as soon as he caught the ball), then neither player gets an assist. Note that it is possible for an outfielder to throw out a runner on his own without ever receiving an assist; these plays are called outfield assists and are recorded separately from regular assists.
The specific responsibilities of each position during a play
In baseball, the defense team is made up of nine players who each have very specific positions on the field. The responsibilities of each position during a play are laid out in what’s called the “6-4-3.” Let’s break it down.
The 6-4-3 refers to the order in which the ball must be thrown to complete a double play Double plays are important because they offer a way for the defense to get two outs in one play. The “6” in 6-4-3 stands for shortstop, the “4” stands for second base, and the “3” stands for first base.
Here’s how it works: let’s say a ball is hit to the shortstop. The shortstop then throws the ball to second base. The second baseman then throws the ball to first base. If both throws are made in time, then two outs have been recorded and the inning is over.
The 6-4-3 is just one example of how positions on a baseball field work together during a play. Each position has its own specific responsibilities, but they all contribute to making a successful play.
The different techniques that fielders use to make plays
The most common defensive alignment is what is called the 6-4-3 Double Play It is so named because there are six defenders arranged along the infield dirt near the base they are defending, four along the outfield grass, and three near the catcher. Of course, there can be more than six fielders on the infield at once, and there often are, but in a standard 6-4-3 double play the second baseman is positioned near second base, the shortstop is near third base, and the first baseman is just to the first baseman’s right (i.e., between first and second base).
The third baseman and Left fielder will be positioned such that they each have a good opportunity to catch a line drive hit between them. The center fielder will be positioned in shallow center field so as to be able to catch anything hit over his head. The right fielder will be positioned in shallow right field.
The positioning of the infielders changes depending on where the batter hits the ball. If a grounder is hit to the shortstop’s right, he will move toward second base to try to tag out the runner coming from first. If a grounder is hit to his left, he’ll move toward third base. The same holds true for the second baseman; if a grounder ishit to his right, he’ll move toward shortstop, and if it’s hit to his left he’ll run toward first base.
The importance of proper technique in fielding
Few fans give much thought to the delicate balance of positions on a baseball diamond They just assume that the nine players will be in the right place at the right time. But nothing could be further from the truth!
Baseball is a game of inches, and even the tiniest mistake can cost a team the game. That’s why proper technique is so important in fielding. If you’re not in the right position, you may not be able to make the play — no matter how hard you try.
The most important thing to remember is the 6-4-3 double play. This is when the ball is hit to the shortstop, who then throws to second base for one out, and then second baseman throws to first base for the double out. It’s a difficult play to execute, but it’s also one of the most important plays in baseball.
If you’re Playing shortstop, you need to be in position to field the ball cleanly and make an accurate throw to second base. If you’re playing second base, you need to be in position to catch the ball and make a quick throw to first base. And if you’re playing first base, you need to be ready to catch the ball and apply the tag quickly.
There are other positions on the field, of course, but these are three of the most important. Remember, proper technique is essential if you want to make all the plays!
The different ways that fielders can misplay a ball
There are three ways that a fielder can misplay a ball: he can fail to catch it cleanly, he can drop it after catching it, or he can make a wild throw. Let’s examine each of these possibilities in turn.
There are two types of errors: throwing and fielding. A throwing error is charged when a fielder makes a wild throw that allows a runner to advance one or more bases, or when a fielder throws the ball into foul territory late in the game and the runner scores as a result. A fielding error is charged when a fielder fails to cleanly field a batted or thrown ball, or when he fails to make an out on an attempted play.
The Official Scorer will credit a hit if, in his judgment, the ball would have gone for extra bases had it not been misplayed. A home run cannot be scored on a misplayed ball, nor can an error be charged if the batter-runner is put out trying to stretch his hit into extra bases.
The importance of practice in fielding
Fielding is an important part of baseball, and all players need to practice to improve their skills. The 6-4-3 drill is a standard fielding drill that can help players improve their skills.
The 6-4-3 drill gets its name from the three positions in the field that are involved in the drill: shortstop, second base, and first base. The shortstop is positioned at 6 o’clock, second base is at 4 o’clock, and first base is at 3 o’clock. (If you imagine the clock face as being superimposed on a baseball diamond these are the locations of the three fielders.)
Here’s how the drill works:
1. The coach hits a grounder to the shortstop.
2. The shortstop fields the ball and throws to second base.
3. The second baseman catches the ball and throws to first base.
4. The first baseman catches the ball and throws back to the coach.
5. Repeat until all fielders have had a turn at each position.
The different types of training that fielders can use to improve
Most young players learn the basic positions of the infield (first, second, and third base) and outfield (left, center, and right field) without too much difficulty. However, as they advance in age and competition, they will need to learn more about the nuances of each position.
One key aspect of playing each position is understanding the proper fielding technique to use for each situation. Fielding can be broadly divided into two categories: positioning and plays. Proper positioning involves aligning oneself correctly in relation to the batter, baserunners, and other fielders in order to be in the best possible position to make a play. Once the ball is hit, a fielder must then decide what type of play to make: catch the ball for an out, or throw it to another player who will then make a play.
There are several different types of training that fielders can use to improve their skills. Positioning drills help fielders learn how to properly align themselves for each situation. Playmaking drills teach fielders how to properly execute different types of plays. Base running drills help fielders learn how to efficiently move around the bases when they are on offense.
Fielding is a critical Art of Baseball and requires a great deal of practice and training in order to be successful. By understanding the different types of training that fielders can use to improve their skills, players can be better prepared to compete at higher levels of competition.
The importance of mental preparation in fielding
Mental preparation is critical for any successful fielder. A major part of this is knowing the situation: what kind of hitter is up, how many outs there are, what the score is, and where you should be positioned on the field.
While there are endless variations on where each player should stand in each situation, there is one positioning system that is universally accepted among Baseball Coaches at all levels: 6-4-3.
The numbers in 6-4-3 correspond to the number of steps a fielder should take in order to be in the proper position to make a play. For example, if a right-handed batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop, the shortstop should take six steps forward, four steps to his left, and three steps back.
This simple system can be applied to any situation on the field, and it’s something that all fielders should commit to memory. By being in the proper position, you’ll not only increase your chances of making a play, but you’ll also put yourself in a better position to make a strong throw to first base.
Mental preparation also involves being aware of the game situation at all times. This means paying attention to what’s happening on the field and understanding how each play influences the game. For example, if there are runners on first and second base with no outs, you might be more inclined to take a risk and attempt a double play if you’re ahead in the game by two runs. But if you’re behind by two runs with no outs and runners on first and second base, you might want to play it safe and simply throw the ball to first base for an out.
By understanding these situations and preparing yourself mentally for each one, you’ll be giving yourself an extra edge on the field.