Very Simple Mechanics Question

[Four-Oh]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Take a read step. Read the ball, read the fielders. Go out on a ball that may need a fair/foul call, home run/ground rule double decision, and any others that are requiring special effort by a fielder.

At the clinic I attended on Sunday, we were given the following guidelines on when to go out (i.e.: what makes a "trouble" ball):

1. Ball takes F9 toward the line
2. F9 is charging in hard for the ball
3. F9 turns his back to the infield to go back for the ball
4. Ball is in the gap and F8 and F9 are charging for it
5. A blooper where three defensive players are converging

Having taken the read step (we were told to turn 90 degrees so that the line is in front of you), we were then told to quickly assess the situation and then be decisive. Above all, once you've decided don't change your mind!

Also, make sure to communicate with the PU!

Andrew