The right field position in baseball is unique. While not the most demanding position, it does require some skill and a strong arm.
The right fielder has the farthest throw to third base. When there is a base hit to right field, the fielder must be able to field it clean and make a strong throw through the cut off man in the direction of 3rd base.
Much like left field, oftentimes a power hitter that might not be the best player defensively will play right field. The major difference between right field and left field is the distance from 3rd base, which requires the right fielder to have the stronger arm.
Teams like to find a combination of above average defensive skills, a strong arm and powerful bat for their right fielder. There are exceptions to this, but ideally most power hitters play one of the corner outfield positions (left or right field) or corner infield positions (1st base or 3rd base)
Whatever positions a player might play, they owe it to their teammates to be the best fielder possible and to do their role at the plate.
How To Play Right Field
The best right fielders have the ability to run a fly ball down in the gap, get to hard hit line drives and make a strong throw to the proper base. Getting a great jump on a hit can make up for average to below average speed. Typically, most right fielders have a strong arm and are often times a power hitter for their team.
Below, I will dive into the following topics related to play right field:
- Skills Required
- The Importance of Legs and Arms
- Keys to Making Quality Throws
- Proper Positioning in Right Field
- Drills to Improve Your Fielding Skills
How To Play Right 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 right fielder for your team.
- Speed – While difficult to train speed, speed does help in the outfield. The outfielder should work on developing his or her speed to not only help in the field, but also on the base paths.
- Vision – A right fidler must be able to have a clear vision and get a good read on a fly ball or a line drive. Proper positions and circling a ball will help the fielder make a strong throw to the proper base.
- Arm Strength – A strong arm will help cut down on runners advancing more than one hit on a single. The stronger the arm in right field, the better chance of reducing runs scores over the course of a season.
- Knowledge – The right fielder could go several innings without a ball hit in their direction. Remaining focused on the game and aware of the hitter up to bat is key to the overall success in this position.
How to decide baseball positions?
How To Play Right Field: The Importance of the Legs and Arm
The right fielder typically is one of the weakest overall fielders on the team, but it is still important to be aware of how to maximize their skills. While not as fast as the center fielder or as skilled as a middle infielder, the right fielder still has a significant role.
- The right 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 Right Field: The Key to Making Quality Throws
- Many of the throws from the right 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 right fielder needs to use proper footwork to make strong throws to and thru the cutoff man.
- The right fielder needs to anticipate where the ball will be thrown if it is hit as a base hit or a fly ball out.
What is the hardest position in baseball?
How To Play Right Field: Proper Positioning at right field
- There is no fixed position, know the hitter and the pitcher.
- Make adjustments through the game based on hitters, pitchers and the wind.
- 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.
- Take away the line a bit late in the game. A triple late in the game into the right field corner could make the difference in the outcome.
- 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 Right 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 right 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!