How to Learn Baseball Fundamentals

Athletic talent is only half the story of any successful athlete. Even the most gifted baseball player can improve by focusing on the fundamentals of hitting, fielding and pitching. Soundness in these areas will help young and developing players win victories for their teams. But, improving baseball skills doesn't have a shortcut. It requires, more than anything else, practice and discipline.

Things You'll Need

  • Aluminum bat
  • Fielder's, catcher's or pitcher's mitt (depending on position you play)
  • Baseballs, tennis balls or rolled up socks
  • Cleats
  • Computer with Internet connection
  • Hitting tee
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find an open area in a backyard or park to practice fielding ground balls. Throw a tennis ball against a wall and field it while wearing cleats. Stand back about 15 to 20 feet from the wall, and throw the tennis ball hard along the ground against the wall. After releasing the ball, immediately assume a half-squat posture, with both knees bent and both arms bent, hanging between your knees. Lean slightly forward and be ready to collect the tennis ball into the mitt. Throw the ball against the wall at various angles, so that you have to run to the right and left to field it. Devote at least an hour to this exercise two to three times per week.

    • 2

      Ask a parent, relative, teammate or friend -- someone with a good arm -- to throw you fly balls. Stand 30 to 50 yards back from the person and ask for the ball high in the air in varying arcs -- some fairly straight up, others far and looping, so that you practice running up, back, and side to side to field fly balls. As the ball approaches you, open your mitt and keep your other hand a few inches away, ready to help trap the ball in your mitt. Practice following the ball all the way through its arc and into your mitt. Do not look away to throw the ball back to your assistant until you have completely secured the ball in your mitt. Practice fielding fly balls for at least an hour three times a week.

    • 3

      Set up a tee in your backyard to practice your swing. Roll up a pair of old socks into the shape of a baseball. Place a sock on top of the tee and hit it off. Use legs and hips, instead of your arms, to power the swing. Shift your weight from back to front legs, keeping the front as straight as possible. Swivel the hips and pivot the back foot to open up the hips and drive through the swing. Dedicate at least an hour two to three times each week to this exercise.

    • 4

      Ask someone to videotape you during a next game or team practice. At home, watch your performance and analyze what's right and what needs improvement. Ask your coach to review the tape with you the first time, so he can point these things out to you so that you know what to look for. Devote practice time to improving in the areas in which you are struggling.

    • 5

      Watch major league baseball teams and analyze players' swings and fielding techniques. Watch with a pen in hand, and jot notes on what players in your position do. Emulate these techniques in your own practice.