Baseball is an amazing game enjoyed by people of ages.
It is most commonly played by kids throughout their childhood. Many will start with T-Ball and then progress to coach pitch and then eventually kid pitch.
Some adults, even those that aren’t professional baseball players, will continue to enjoy the game throughout their life. Others will turn to playing adult softball because of the different pace and offensively fun involved with the game.
Regardless of what level someone plays baseball at, there are some skills that are the foundational skills of the game.
Of course being athletic, strong and having great hand eye coordination will make each of the skills listed and described below easier to master.
Skills Needed For Baseball
- Speed
- Hitting for Average
- Hitting for Power
- Fielding
- Arm Strength
These are the 5 tools that someone is measured by. Of course, not every player is great at all 5 of the skills. If they are great in each area, the player would be considered a 5 tool player if they are strong in each of the skills areas.
Some players are great in 1-2 areas and average in others. For example the power hitter might not be a great contact hitter for average or a great fielder, but might have a lot of homerun power and a strong arm. This player might play a position like left field.
A complete post on the 5 tools in baseball
Let’s get into each of the skills listed above.
Skill #1: Speed
When a player has elite speed, hitting for average and being a great fielder become easier. The speed can help a player in the field and while running the bases. Being able to steal a base or score from a second a base hit are the little things that can help a team win games.
High end speed will also help someone be a quality outfielder and potentially play center field and be the anchor of the outfield. A center fielder that is able to run a ball down in a gap is vital to a teams overall success.
Skill #2: Hitting for Average
Every team needs a player who can get base hits to start innings and to bring the runners in on base. Being able to hit for a high average will make them a staple in the lineup. I think of hitters like Ichiro Suzuki and Tony Gwynn who were such pure hitters in their prime. Oftentimes, a hitter that can hit for a high average and has elite speed will bat leadoff.
The 3 hitter in most lines up can hit for a high average and have enough power to hit the gaps and to hit homeruns.
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Skill #3: Hitting for Power
The player that can hit for power can change the game with one swing of the bat. When there are several runners on base and the power hitter comes to bat, it can send fear to the opposing team. The power hitter takes a swing of the bat, hits a home run and changes the course of the game.
Of course the hitter that can hit for power, average and has elite speed will be a true all star and more than like the most valuable hitter on the team. The combination of these 3 skills helps someone stand out and have the identity of an elite player.
Skill #4: Fielding
Teams expect to have quality fieldering up in the middle of the field. The catcher, shortstop, 2nd baseman and center fielder must be above average. The better they are at making the routine play and on occasion the stand out play, the more success the team will experience.
Fielding will vary from position to position, but overall having the ability to field a ground ball, catch a fly ball and have a strong arm is a great foundation to being a quality fielder. Players will eventually learn to specialize in a position or several positions.
Skills Needed for Each Position in Baseball:
- How to play left field
- How to play center field
- How to play right field
- How to be a catcher in baseball?
- How to play 1st base
- How to play 2nd base
- How to play 3rd base
- How to play shortstop
Skill #5: Arm Strength
A strong arm can make up for a lot of defensive deficiencies. The player able to knock a ball down in the infield and has a strong arm has extra time to gather and make a strong throw. The outfielder can take more time to get to the ball and can cut down runners from heading to the next base.
The best fielders have a strong arm and can make extra players that are spectacular to help a team save runs over the course of a season.
Additional Skills That Help in Baseball
- Athletic ability
- Hand eye coordination
- Strength
- Awareness
Additional Skill #1: Athletic ability
Overall athletic ability will help in the majority of sports. Baseball is no exception. Overall athletic ability is required especially when it comes to playing a position like 2nd base or shortstop. Off balance throws, quick movements and soft hands are all essential skills needed to play these positions.
Additional Skill #2: Hand eye coordination
A hitter at the upper levels of baseball is trying to hit a fastball that is over 80 miles per hour with the potential curve ball or change up as an option for the pitcher. Having strong hand eye coordination is essential to play the game at the highest levels.
Additional Skill #3: Strength
Strength will help with the power hitting portion of the game. The stronger the hitter the better chance of hitting a higher swing speed and the ability to drive through a batted ball. If you look at the best power hitters of all time, the majority were very strong.
Additional Skill #4: Awareness
Baseball is a slower game that then happens quickly. Being aware of the situation when playing defense is vital. The fielder must know his or her responsibility and what needs to happen if the ball is hit to them.
Final Thoughts
If you are a parent of a kid, make sure you keep the game fun. Have fun taking batting practice and throwing the ball in the yard. Keep the game fun and engaging for kids and they will stick with it!