Baseball is a sport of preparation
Baseball is a sport in which the ball is in motion for an extremely short amount of time. The ball is actually moving for less than 10% of the game time, meaning that more than 90% of the time is spent preparing for the next play. This is why baseball is often called “a sport of preparation.”
So what kind of preparation is actually needed? Let’s look at batting, fielding, and baserunning in that order.
(1) Preparation for batting
First, observe the pitcher in the bullpen. Check their pitching motion, pitch speed, types of breaking balls, and control. After that, continue to observe them during warm-ups on the mound and once the game begins, updating and correcting your information.
Some pitchers have poor control in pre-game warm-ups but suddenly become much sharper once the game starts. Others may suddenly lose control when runners get on base.
Once the game begins, observe tendencies of the battery (pitcher and catcher). Based on factors such as the type of first pitch (and its relation to the batting order and presence of runners), pitch types with high strike rates, high or low pitch locations, and frequency of inside pitches (checking the catcher’s footwork to anticipate target location), decide your target pitches up to two strikes.
If other batters are late on fastballs, you can assume the ball has good velocity or “life.” Conversely, if many hitters are pulling the ball, it may indicate that the pitch is not as fast or is staying up. It is also useful to ask previous hitters about fastball “carry” or breaking ball movement.
When you step into the batter’s box, trust that your target pitch may come from the first pitch and get into your stance. If the pitch is a ball or not your target pitch, you should stop your swing just before the bat is about to be released. Remember that a batter should not think “I will swing only at strikes,” but rather “I will swing, and if it’s a ball, I will stop.” Otherwise, you will end up swinging late or making poor contact too often.
(2) Preparation for fielding
First, based on the number of outs and runner positions, mentally rehearse your actions for different types of balls. For example, with runners on first and second and one out, a shortstop’s responsibilities may include:
Ground ball to you: throw to second for a double play
Ground ball to your left: cover second for a double play
Ground ball to your right: cover third base
Fly ball to the outfield: act as cutoff for a throw to third
Base hit to the outfield: act as cutoff for a throw home
For an outfielder, the responsibilities may be:
Fly ball to you: throw to third
Base hit to you: throw to home
Ball hit elsewhere: cover accordingly
By rehearsing three to five possible actions in advance, you can eliminate hesitation when the ball is hit.
Next, observe the batter. Body size, swing speed, timing consistency, and foul ball directions—all of these should be noted and updated pitch by pitch. From this, estimate the likely distance and direction of contact and adjust your defensive positioning. You should also predict running speed based on batting order and physique.
In fielding, the first step is critical. Fielders should shift their weight onto the balls of their feet in sync with the pitcher’s release, so they can immediately react toward the ball’s direction after contact. Observing the bat’s movement through contact can also help you determine direction earlier.
Since you cannot know whether a ball can be caught until you start moving, you should always take the first step on every batted ball.
(3) Preparation for baserunning
First, observe the catcher to evaluate stolen base opportunities: Agility in throwing motion, arm strength, and accuracy. Also observe the pitcher’s movements with runners on base: time from set position to pitch, consistency of head movement, number of pickoff moves, whether pickoff attempts are repeated, and quickness of delivery. Continuously update this information to time potential steals.
When on base, you should also mentally rehearse your actions for each type of batted ball, just like fielders.
The most complex situation is a runner on second with zero or one out. In that case, the runner’s possible actions include:
Freeze on line drives (line-drive back)
On fly balls, decide between tagging up or holding halfway depending on distance to third
On ground balls to your left, break on everything except pitcher grounders
On ground balls to your right, stay unless it is a weak grounder (weak grounders may allow a break because infielders are drawn in and the runner’s movement is hidden)
On hits, always advance (and on ground balls to your right, break if it gets through the infield)
Next, for a runner on third with zero or one out:
Freeze on line drives
On fly balls, decide tag-up or hold based on distance
With an infield in, hold on ground balls (break if it gets through the infield)
With infield in but runners on first or second, go on ground balls (if clearly out, force a play that allows other runners to advance)
When you want to take a risk, take a large secondary lead and break on contact (a gamble start)
The decision to freeze on line drives should be based on your eye level: if the trajectory of the ball is higher than your line of sight, you immediately return to the base.
With two outs, there is no need to freeze on line drives, so runners can take more aggressive leads. In particular, with two outs and two strikes, the runner on second can see the strike zone, so once it is clear that the pitch is a strike, they should start immediately. If the ball becomes a hit, a run will always score.
Runners must also always be prepared for wild pitches. If the pitch trajectory drops suddenly, starting immediately can allow advancement even if the catcher blocks the ball after a bounce.
Preparation makes enjoyment possible
If you observe, anticipate, and know what you need to do next, you can fully focus on the ball and the opponent’s movements. Good preparation removes anxiety and nervousness. Prepare thoroughly, and enjoy serious competition.
PDF Link : 6. Preparation