Got a Question? 1-800-487-7432 M-F 10-5 EST

Baseball Tips Field Equipment Supplier

Your Trusted Source For High-Quality Baseball Equipment Since 1999

Tax Exempt & Purchase Orders

Third Base Fielding: Techniques, Strategy, and Tips

Quick Answer

Playing third base in baseball demands a player's ability to constantly adjust their fielding position and technique based on the game situation. Key aspects include mastering the "Set Position" with weight slightly forward and knees bent, and the "Ready Position" where hands are chest high in anticipation of the ball. Third basemen must effectively field ground balls by squaring their shoulders to the target and handling bunts with a bare hand, while line drives require keeping the chest in front of the ball and using two hands, a tip contributed by Scoreboard Canada.

short stops with power can make good third basemen - third base

Technique, Strategy, and Tips for Third Base

Playing third base requires the player to change his fielding position depending on the situation the hitter is facing. The following guidelines will enable them to be ready and move quickly to take up a new position on the field, as the situation changes.

Set Position for 3rd base

  1. Weight slightly forward left foot in the front three or four inches of the right foot. Knees slightly bent and weight up on the balls of the feet.
  2. Glove held waist-high.
  3. As the pitcher gets ready to release the ball keep your eyes focused on the strike zone.

Ready Position on 3rd base

  1. Both hands chest high and out in front of the body.
  2. Leaning forward, anticipating the ball being hit in front of you.
  3. By bending the knees (as the pitcher releases the ball) the glove should be as close to the ground as possible.

Fielding Ground Balls

  1. Field all balls that you can get to unless the shortstop or left fielder calls you off.
  2. Square your shoulders to the base you are throwing to and plant the right foot before throwing.
  3. When fielding a bunt or soft hit grounder uses your bare hand, spin, then throw the ball with the “sidearm motion.”

Fielding Line Drives

  1. Keep your chest in front of the ball and use two hands to catch it.
  2. If it is a hard-hit ball, knock it down. You’ll have time to make the throw.

This tip was contributed by Scoreboard Canada, a Web site that publishes thorough sections of baseball instruction and ideas.

Baseball Tips
Blog Menu

About Baseball Tips

Since 1999, BaseballTips.com is our way of helping coaches, athletic directors and departments charged with creating & maintaining  winning programs.

We truly appreciate your support!  Browse our quality baseball equipment, let us help you with a quote, or give us a call with any questions.

Featured Products

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What are the fundamental fielding positions for a third baseman?

A third baseman needs to master both the "Set Position" and "Ready Position." The Set Position involves weight slightly forward, left foot ahead of the right, bent knees, and glove waist-high, with eyes on the strike zone. The Ready Position requires hands chest-high and out front, leaning forward, and bending knees as the pitcher releases the ball to get the glove close to the ground.

2 What are the key techniques for fielding ground balls and line drives at third base?

For ground balls, field what you can, square your shoulders to the base you're throwing to, and plant your right foot before throwing. When fielding a bunt or soft hit, use your bare hand, spin, and throw with a sidearm motion. For line drives, keep your chest in front of the ball, use two hands, and knock down hard-hit balls if necessary, as you'll have time to make the throw.

3 How does a third baseman's fielding position adapt to different game situations?

Playing third base requires the player to change their fielding position based on the situation the hitter is facing. The guidelines provided on the page enable players to be ready and move quickly to take up a new position on the field as the situation changes.

4 Does BaseballTips.com offer a selection of baseball equipment in addition to playing tips?

Yes, BaseballTips.com is a trusted source for high-quality baseball equipment, in business since 1999. The site features extensive categories including batting turtles, portable pitchers mounds, bases, field maintenance equipment, and various baseball screens.