What is the technique for an outfielder fielding a groundball in baseball?

As the last line of defense on a baseball field, having good and fundamental techniques is essential for anyone playing in a baseball outfield. Often overlooked by many, one of the more vital skills to have when playing outfield is how to properly field a groundball hit to an outfielder.

Ohio University head baseball coach Joe Carbone has been in charge of the Bobcats going on 18 years now. In his tenure, Carbone has guided 35 different players to professional baseball contracts. For Carbone, proper outfield fielding of a groundball all begins with having your head in the game.

"It depends on what the game situation is," he said. "If the ground ball hits your base when there is nobody on base, you get to the ball as quickly as you can. On that type of ground ball you come to a dead stop and make sure of the ball. After you catch the ball, you come up and you take 3-5 steps to get yourself straightened in and turn to where you are throwing."

Carbone wants the outfielder to know what the situation is in order to limit the possibilities of a mistake. For example, if a player hits a baseball into leftfield with no one on base, Carbone is implying that the left fielder should hustle to the ball, but be careful to not rush. If there is no one on base, a rushed or errand throw by the left fielder could allow the runner to move up to second or third base.

Also, if the outfielder is in a hurry, it's possible to make a bobble or miscue on fielding the ball that could allow the runner to advance one more base. So to help reduce the chance of costly mistakes, outfielders should always know what the situation is and what they will do if the baseball is hit to them.

Now, there are also situations in which the outfielder may have to rush or hurry himself to the baseball. An example would be if there were someone on base and the outfielder wanted to keep him from scoring or advancing to another base. Carbone agrees that as an outfielder you may need to hurry your motions, but the same technique still applies to properly field the baseball.

"In this situation, you chop down or breakdown and get yourself under control with your hands out front," he said. "You throw the ball through the cut off man to the base and they decide whether they cut it off or relay it. That is a normal ground ball basing for all situations."

It's also very important for outfielders to remember to use their bodies as backstops. For groundballs that are hit with no one on base, it will be easier for the outfielder to breakdown and make sure to keep his body in front of the baseball.

But for balls that require a hurried approach, the outfielder should be mindful of attempting to still keep the ball out in front.