![]() Because shortstops will field a lot of hits during the course of a game, they should be expecting the ball to be hit to them. Shortstops get most of the defensive action on the field so having confidence is a must. To see an example of a shortstop with a strong arm throwing from in the hole, check out the quick YouTube clip below. In order to get the runner out at first, shortstops need to have a strong arm if they want to have a chance of throwing out that runner. When the shortstop fields the ball in the hole, they are typically moving away from first base. On occasion, a shortstop will need to throw the ball from in the hole, which adds another layer of complexity to their throw. If the batter hits the ball closer to third base then the shortstop will be further away from first, but if the batter hits a ball up the middle of the field then the shortstop would be closer to first.īecause shortstops can sometimes be a good distance away from first base, they need to have a strong arm so they can reliably get the ball to the first baseman. 2) Have a Strong ArmĪs a general rule, shortstops can be anywhere from 85 to 130 feet away from first base. In these instances, shortstops must know to run towards that base so they can be there for the potential throw. ![]() Depending on the situation, the second baseman or the third baseman may be unable to cover their respective base. Some additional areas that shortstops need to cover are third base and second base. If the outfielder has a good arm then the shortstop won’t need to run out as far, but if the outfielder does not have a strong arm the shortstop will need to run further into the outfield to make sure they can get the ball into the infield in the shortest amount of time. Not all outfielders’ arms are created equal so an infielder must also be aware of who is throwing the ball and how strong of an arm that outfielder has. In order to be an effective cut-off man, shortstops must run towards the outfielder who is fielding the ball so they are somewhere in between the base and their outfielder. In addition to chasing down short fly balls, shortstops are also responsible for being the cut-off man for the left fielder and centerfielder. Depending on how quick the outfielders are, the shortstop might have a lot of ground to cover while running with their back towards the ball. If a batter hits a short fly ball into the outfield, the shortstop will need to chase down that ball until an outfielder calls them off. The distance from second base to third base may only be 90 feet apart, but shortstops have a lot more responsibility than just those 90 feet. Shortstops have a lot of ground to cover in the infield. In general, good shortstops are effective on both sides of the plate, but what exactly are the qualities that make up a good shortstop? Here are the top 10 qualities that make for a great shortstop. For a coach to consider a shortstop to be in the lineup, a good shortstop must be effective on both offense and defense. Most baseball players have heard of MLB’s greatest shortstops like Derek Jeter, Ozzie Smith, and Cal Ripken, Jr., but what made these baseball players so good? Below, we’ll dive into the 10 qualities of what makes a good shortstop.Īs a general rule for what makes a good shortstop, good shortstops can cover a lot of ground, are athletic, have strong arms, and are solid hitters. When it comes to baseball, one of the most demanding positions to play is shortstop.
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