The most demanding position in the outfield is center field. The center fielder has to have quality speed, get a good jump off the bat and run down balls in the gaps.
Communication with the right fielder and the left fielder is essential. They must work together to help the pitcher out and save runs.
Oftentimes, the center fielder is one of the fastest players on the team and can be found at the top of the batting order hitting leadoff. There have been some great center fielders in the history of MLB that are also excellent lead off hitters.
The center fielder on a team needs to commit to improving his or her skills and keeping their legs fresh as the team relies on their ability to run down balls hit into the gaps.
How To Play Center Field
The best center fielders have the ability to run a fly ball down in either gap, get to hard hit line drives and make an above average throw to the proper base. Getting a great jump on a hit can make up for average to below average speed. The center fielder is also the captain of the outfield and must work to communicate with the corner outfielders.
Below, I will dive into the following topics related to play Center Field:
- Skills Required
- The Importance of Legs and Arms
- Keys to Making Quality Throws
- Proper Positioning in Center Field
- Drills to Improve Your Fielding Skills
How To Play Center Field: 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 center fielder for your team.
- Speed – While difficult to train speed, speed does help in the outfield. When your center fielder has elite speed, a handful of runs can be saved even in a short season. There is a ball or two every game where the elite center fielder makes the play that the average center fielder might not make.
- Vision – A center fiedler must be able to have a clear vision and get a good read on a fly ball or a line drive. Sometimes that can be difficult and there is some deception on how far the ball is being hit due to the straight on angle while in center field.
- Arm Strength – While not a major requirement to play center field, a strong arm will help cut down on runners advancing more than one hit on a single. Often times, the speed of a center fielder can help him circle a ball on a base hit and make a strong accurate throw cutting down runners and saving a run or two.
- Knowledge – The center fielder has to be aware of every swing of the bat and be ready to back up plays when the ball is not hit in their direction. On every swing, every player in the field should be moving and considering how they can help out.
How to decide baseball positions?
How To Play Center Field: The Importance of the Legs and Arm
The Center Fielder typically is one fastest players on the team and can use his or her legs to change a game both at the plate and in the field.
- The center fielder relies on his or her legs to run down fly balls. Be in the ready position and ready to sprint on every pitch.
- Work on getting to the ball and getting set vs floating to the ball and being out of position to make a strong throw.
- By being in position, you are able to save 1-2 seconds and make a strong throw upon catching the ball or fielding a base hit.
- Use two hands to have the throwing arm ready to go when possible.
- Use the proper footwork to get to baseballs hit in the gaps or short or long.
- Communicate with your teammates on baseballs hit in between various positions.
- Catch any fly ball you can get moving forward and look to call off the infidels on these in between balls.
What is the role of the shortstop in baseball?
How To Play Center Field: The Key to Making Quality Throws
- Many of the throws from the center fielder are strong overhand throws on a sharp line through the cutoff man. The ball that flies the cutoff man could cost the team an out or an extra run.
- The center fielder needs to use proper footwork to make strong throws to and thru the cutoff man.
- The center fielder needs to anticipate where the ball will be thrown if it is a base hit or a fly ball out.
What is the hardest position in baseball?
How To Play Center Field: Proper Positioning at Center Field
- 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 power of the hitter. This will impact the depth you are playing at.
- Field the ball and make a quality decision.
- Know the condition of the field and the weather conditions. Is the ball flying far? Is it windy? What direction is the wind blowing?
How are baseball positions numbered?
How To Play Center Field: Drills to Improve Your Fielding Skills
- Spend the most time on learning to read the ball off the bat.
- Work on developing speed in 20-40 yard sprints.
- Practice going back on a ball and in on a ball. Learn to chase down balls in the gaps.
- Work on pop flies into foul territory. Where is the bullpen or the fence?
Baseball positions in order of importance (rankings)
Things to Consider: Other Positions
Do you have the skill to play Center Field? What is your secondary position?
Other Ideas for Improvement: Watch The Best of All Time
There have been some great outfielders over time. Watch videos and take note of the following: positioning, reads on the ball, angles taken and throwing technique.
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!