A Guide to Playing Third Base

If you are going to play third base in baseball, be prepared; it is one of the toughest infield positions to play. You have to be a quick responder, since many of the hitters send ball in your direction. You have to make decisions; you have to know when to play in front of or behind the bag. You have to be fast, by charging in when the hitter bunts the ball in your direction. You have to have a strong arm to throw the ball to the first baseman. Playing third base is like being a general in the army, you have to account for everybody on base and have a strategic move for each ball that is hit in your direction.

If you are playing third base, you have to pay attention to the runners on second and third base. You must keep an eye on the size of the lead they are taking. This is especially true if the runners are fast. You need to predict if the runner is going to steal a base, so you are not taken by surprise. To stop a steal, you have to not only cover the bag, but you also must tag the runner with the ball. You have to tag low, since the base runner will most likely drop down and slide.

You, the third baseman, throw the ball the longest in the infield. Therefore, you must have a strong arm and be able to throw the ball accurately. It is always best to throw the ball to first base to get a forced out, unless if you must attempt to make a play at home to prevent a run. During practice learn different ways to throw the ball to improve your accuracy and timing. The first way is to get the ball, stop and throw. Use this technique when you have time to get the ball to first. The other way is throw the ball while you are still running. This technique is used when you need to get the ball quickly to first base.

Fielding is a very important must for you. You will either get ground balls or line drives you're your way. Sometimes the ball will come at you at more than 120 miles per hour. Since most of the hitters are right-handed, you will get many fly balls. Even if the fly is in foul territory, you will still have to attempt to catch it before it hits the ground.

You have to be alert whenever a batter comes up to the plate. Accomplish this be standing with your knees slightly bent and stand on the balls of your feet. Be prepared to charge the ball or take a few steps back.

Whatever the hit, you must try to stay in front of the ball. You basic role as a third baseman is to stop balls from getting past you into the outfield.
Whether you call it third base or the hot corner, this position is one of the toughest to play in baseball. If you want to play this position, you must have good hand-eye coordination, be able to think on your toes and be able to judge where the ball is going and what you are going to do to it once you get it.