Fundamentals of Third Base

1. Know the type of hitter and their speed. This will help you determine how quickly you must get rid of the ball.
2. Play close to the grass on players with speed and those players who might bunt.
3. Play close to the line with pull hitters.
4. Play every hit ball one can, especially those to your left.
5. Practice all types of throws, sidearm, underhand and overhand.
6. Do not ease up on your throws at any time even though you have plenty of time. Throw naturally at all times.
7. In a bunt situation with a man on first, play in close and be ready to break with the pitch.
8. In a bunt situation with runners on forst and second, play in on the grass, bit do break in on the pitch, wait until you are sure the pitcher can not field the ball. Be sure to get an out. This is a judgement play and requires much practice.
9. Take all flyballs you can from home out to third base, including those toward the pitcher.
10. Get in front of every ball you can, do not play balls off to the side unless you have to.
11. Do not give up on a ball you fumbled, recover it quickly and make a play as you still might have a chance to throw out the runner.
12. Play slow runners deep and cover more territory.
13. In fielding ground balls, keep your head down and eyes on the ball.
14. Do not let the ball play you - take charge and play the ball.
15. In a run down between bases, run th eplayer back to the base he came from for the tag.
16. In a close ball game in the late innings, play close to the line to prevent a possible hit from putting a runner in scoring position.
17. Play all left handed hitters even with the bag.
18. Practice fielding ground balls hit in all directions.
19. Know what to do before the pitcher throws the pitch.