Often referred to as the “hot corner,” 3rd base is a position of high importance in both baseball and softball.
The skills and reflexes required to play 3rd base are unique to the position and there have been some great 3rd baseman over the years. The first priority of the 3rd baseman is to knock down and stop any ground ball hit his or her way and make a solid throw to record at least one out.
When runners are on base, there is a chance for a double play and the 3rd baseman must be ready and capitalize on the opportunity to turn a double play. While the shortstop position requires the most skill and is the most difficult position in the infield, 3rd base often gets the hardest hit balls of all of the infielders.
How To Play 3rd Base
The player interested in 3rd base should have quick reflexes, a strong arm, the anticipation and skill to field bunts and the willingness to use his or her body stop a hard hit ground ball.
Below, I will dive into the following topics related to play 3rd base:
- Skills Required
- The Importance of the Feet and Hands
- Keys to Making Quality Throws
- Proper Positioning at 3rd base
- Drills to Improve Your Fielding Skills
How To Play 3rd Base: Skills Required
We started to list some of the skills above, but here is a complete look at the list of skills required to be a quality 3rd baseman for your team.
- Quick reflexes
- Strong arm with the ability to throw the ball across the infield
- Ability to field bunts
- Willingness to stop the ball with her or her body
- Ability to be the cut off person on a throw headed home
- Ability to apply a tag on someone sliding into third base
How to decide baseball positions?
How To Play 3rd Base: The Importance of the Feet and Hands
The 3rd baseman must have a quality set of feet and hands to put themselves in a position to field some of the most difficult ground balls in all of baseball or softball.
- Get comfortable in a fielding position, ready to move slightly forward on the pitch
- Hands low when getting ready to field the ball, it is easier to move your hands up for a ball that bounces up.
- Feet moving and ready for action on the pitch
- Keep the bill of your hat down when fielding a ground ball, and always play the ball. Do not let the ball play you! Find a good bounce!
- Use a crossover step for ground balls hit to either side and stay low.
- On hard hit smashes, get in front of the ball and use your body. Knock it down and bare hand it to make a strong throw.
- Take any ground ball you can get to while moving to your left. This helps eliminate really deep throws for the shortstop, since they are moving in the opposite direction.
What is the role of the shortstop?
How To Play 3rd Base: The Key to Making Quality Throws
- Think and prepare ahead of time of where you are going if the ball is hit to you. Is there a runner on 1st base? Is there a force at a base? Are the bases loaded and you are throwing home or stepping on 3rd and then throwing across to first?
- If you don’t have a chance to get the runner, hold the ball. Don’t compound a bad play by making a bad throw on top of it.
- Make the throws in practice at the same pace you will in the game. Create game like situations to build comfort with the angles and the throw you will need to make.
What is the hardest position in baseball?
How To Play 3rd Base: Proper Positioning at 3rd base
- There is no fixed position, know the hitter and the pitcher.
- Study the hitter and adjust throughout an at bat and during the game.
- Know the speed of the hitter. This will impact the depth you are playing at.
- Be ready for the bunt with certain hitters and certain situations.
- Field the ball and get rid of it quickly.
- Know the condition of the field. Wet and slow. Dry and fast. Bare infield or grass infield!
- Late in the game, take away the ball hit down the line.
How are baseball positions numbered?
How To Play 3rd Base: Drills to Improve Your Fielding Skills
- Take plenty of hard hit ground balls.
- Work on ground balls hit in both directions and he footwork to make a strong throw.
- Work on catching foul balls in foul territory.
- Work on charging the bunt and making a quick, accurate throw.
- Work on tagging runners out. Soft hands, catch and swipe.
- Work on taking cutoffs and listening to the catcher for direction.
Baseball positions in order of importance (rankings)
Things to Consider: Other Positions
Do you have the skill to play 3rd base? What is your secondary position?
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a player or coach, keep the game in perspective and keep it fun. The joy of working hard, improving and competing should keep the player coming back to every practice and return to the team the following year. Enjoy the journey, embrace your teammates and celebrate the accomplishments along the way. Baseball is supposed to be fun, let’s all work to keep it that way!
