E-mail Print

Click here to see the video: Baseball Infield: Backhanding Grounders

Coach Nick Giaquinto: Now, we want to get in front of the ball whenever we can, but at times the ball is hit so far to our right, we're not able to and we have to use our backhand. We have two types of backhand plays that we practice daily. The first one is when we really have to extend to our right, and cross over with our left leg to get extension to reach the ball.

Now, as you can see, my hand is out in front, just like as if I'm fielding the ball in front of me, I want the glove out in front of my body if possible. After I get here, I'm going to step across and throw. On the second backhand, it's not that far out, but I still can't get in front of the ball. So, what I'll do, is I'll catch it off of the inside of my right foot as I'm coming through, and getting my momentum going towards first base.

Pat's going to give a couple of demonstrations. First, we'll go with the one where he's a little bit extended, and has to cross over. Cross over, step, good job, Pat. See, when he plants? He gets his momentum going towards first base.

OK, now, we'll try the other backhand – where he can almost get around it, but not quite, and he comes through it fielding the ball off of his inside foot. One more, Pat. Those are the two backhand plays that we practice on a daily basis.