Centerfielder question?

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My DD plays center and is very good at it. She has incredible read of the ball. The only time I see her with any indecision is when there is a runner on 2nd base, she seems to be unsure where to stand to get the best view of the batter. Is there a rule of thumb she should go by or is it just a feel thing? I've offered suggestions to her but I am interested to hear what other people think.

 

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Couple thoughts on this. If the runner is blocking the view she has to choose a step left or right. What is the planned pitch location? She should start looking at the catcher signs or set up to know if the hitter is likely to go the other way on an outside pitch for example. What was this hitter’s tendency earlier in the game? Now, if the umpire is in her line of sight she can ask him to move a step either way.

 

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Coaching Staff should be adjusting her based on the batter and what/how hard the pitcher is throwing. I.E. RH batter, fastballs on outside part of the plate she should shade towards Right Center.

 

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Coaching Staff should be adjusting her based on the batter and what/how hard the pitcher is throwing. I.E. RH batter, fastballs on outside part of the plate she should shade towards Right Center.

This is true, but at some point the fielder needs to be able to understand how to do this on their own. Position need can change from hitter to hitter or pitch to pitch for that matter and the coach usually cannot keep up with every player on the field. In the end it's just playing percentages.

 

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This is true, but at some point the fielder needs to be able to understand how to do this on their own. Position need can change from hitter to hitter or pitch to pitch for that matter and the coach usually cannot keep up with every player on the field. In the end it's just playing percentages.

That's why you'll see a lot of the better teams with SS's who signal the pitch and location to the centerfielder.

 

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I know of a 14u team that did it last year and their 13u team this year is now doing it to. Saw them play this weekend and both 2nd base and short stop signaled the pitch to their out fielders.

 

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The key would being able to get to the RH side of the runner if she is RH thrower to be able to cut her off to three or push her back to two or hold her where she is.Your key would be the SS and 2nd who will signal the pitch behind her back to the outfielder.