Hints for playing third base

The first thing you need to do to play third base well is to have your brain removed. It only gets in the way. But seriously, no where on the field can there be such an extreme form of physical reaction than at third base. Whether it's fielding a bunt or taking a screaming line drive from a right handed batter.

The truth is that third base is a purely reactionary position. You must be able to read the batter to know if he's going to bunt or swing away. The only way I know to do this is to practice, practice, practice. During batting practice, go to the third base position and field what ever you can. Don't worry about catching the ball, just get the feel of the speed and tempo of the position. If some one is hitting in a cage, even better. Stand outside the cage where third base might be and react to the ball.

Practice cross over and slide steps for lateral footwork as well as agility drills. Third base is played just as much with your feet as your hands if not more.

My rules for playing third are:

1. Watch the batter, not the pitcher releasing the ball. Look at the batter's hands. if he drops them, he's bunting, if not he's swinging away.(Is fake bunting allowed in your level of play?) Be aware of the situation on the field. Man on first with no one out is usually a bunt situation.
2. Stay in motion. Take a sort step or shuffle as the pitch is coming in. Time it so the foot lands as the batter makes contact. It's easier to move when your already in motion than to start from a complete stop. Keep ypur weight forward on the balls of your feet.
3. Watch your catcher. If the setup is outside you can cheat to your left(if the batter is right handed) and get your momentum or first step going in that direction.
4. Cheat to your weak side. If you have a weak backhand, play close to the line or have your first step to your right.
5. Keep your hands out in front of you and stay low. Just like a catcher, expect the ball to come to you and come quickly and it's easier to come up than to go down for a ball. This also reduces the chance of injury.
6. Don't expect to get everything. This will come with time and experience. You have teamates out there to help you so don't worry if a bullet gets by you or if your fooled on a bunt.
7. This is the most important rule of all. Leave the field with the same numberof teeth in your mouth as when you took the field. Respect for the ball is important. When you get to the point when it seems easy, and if you do it enough it will seem easy, you may stop fearing the ball but never stop respecting it.

Third base can be as much fun as pitching and catching. The game within a game is just as prevelent as with pitching. With experience, you'll learn how to bait a batter. A pitcher working with a good third baseman can get a batter to do thing with the ball that a particular pitch

As with all aspects of the game, there's not one "trick" or routine that works for everyone. Learn to adjust to your own talents. It's important to stay within yourself.

Remember it's just a game. Have fun and stay healthy.