6 ‘F’s of Fielding

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NOTE: the below techniques are for a right-handed thrower. Left-handers will use opposite leg and arm where appropriate.

 “The 6 F’s” is an approach that provides an excellent framework for understanding the fundamentals of fielding a groundball.

  1. FEET
    • Develop a routine to ensure that your feet are ‘alive’ and your posture is athletic as the ball reaches the contact zone – every pitch. You must be ready to move immediately in any direction.
    • Your feet carry you to the ball. Angle your approach the ball to get your body heading in the right direction and lower your body gradually into fielding posture, like a plane coming in to land.
  2. FIELD
  • Use a wide base: have your feet wide apart for stability and balance, so that your knees don’t get in the way, and so that you can bend down more easily.
  • Move through the ball as you field it: do not be static. The left foot comes onto the ground just as the ball hits the glove.
  • The hands should be out in front so that you can see the ball into the glove.
  1. FUNNEL
  • Bring the ball to your center of gravity (belly-button) with two hands, before splitting the hands to make the throw.
  1. FOOTWORK
  • While funneling the ball then splitting the hands, rhythmically take the right foot to the left and the left to the target, so as to land with the feet lined up to the target. (Your feet should never cross over).
  1. FIRE
  • Continuing in one smooth motion, fire the ball firmly and accurately to the target. The momentum of your footwork provides a substantial amount of the force for the throw.
  1. FOLLOW
  • Follow the ball after you throw it: you should be taking two or three steps directly toward the target after you release the ball. This ensures that you have momentum in the right direction.