Strike Zone

Typically the best all-round athlete is the shortstop. A shortstop has to cover ground quickly and has little time to react to baseballs hit. Quickness as well as speed is necessary to track down balls up the middle, in the hole, and slow rollers. The shortstop needs to have a strong arm for long throws on a backhand play and for good footwork for double play pivots. Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Nomar Garciaparra are some of the games best.

If players are lacking in some areas of the game smart players will adjust to compensate for what they are struggling with. If you lack quickness or speed, positioning becomes more important. Study the opposing hitters on teams. If your arm isn’t the best, quick hands and quick feet make the difference. Work on the your throwing mechanics during practice!

For a shortstop to be successful he needs to work with the second baseman on double plays and double play feeds to make this as routine as possible. The double play is the most important play in the game of baseball. Shortstops need to be a good leader as well. Take charge! Always be aggressive and be involved on the field at all times.