One of the things youth infielders and outfielders should start
doing more of is getting used to the set step, or creep step as
they call it. If you attend a high school, major college or
professional game, you
’ll see it on every pitch. Position players are getting ready to
make a play so they can be quicker to the ball when it’s hit.
One of the things youth infielders and outfielders should start doing more of is getting used to the set step, or creep step as they call it.
If you attend a high school, major college or professional game, you’ll see it on every pitch.
Position players are getting ready to make a play so they can be quicker to the ball when it’s hit.
A set step can make the difference in getting to the ball to make a play or even having the ability to make a diving stop on the infield or a diving catch in the outfield.
A set step is designed to get your body in motion instead of staying at rest and waiting for the ball to be hit.
Too often youth players just miss a ground ball or a long fly ball because they didn’t get a “jump” on the ball. The set step allows players to get that jump.
Accomplishing a set step is quite easy. As the pitcher is getting ready to pitch, each infielder and outfielder should be paying attention to the hitter and pitcher and be in the upright or standing position.
Depending on whether the pitcher is going out of a stretch or wind-up, each position player should be paying attention to the pitcher’s mechanics.
When the pitcher’s hand is up and getting ready to throw, or when his front foot plants, the set step is taken.
The mechanics of the set step are quite easy as well. It’s actually two little steps to get the player’s body in motion so they’re able to move laterally, backward or forward.
The player can move their right foot first, followed by their left, or vice versa – just as long as they’re ready to move and in position to field.
Most players like to go right-left because that’s how they’ll be fielding the ball and throwing it.
Once they’ve taken the set steps, their body should be a little bent over at the waist and ready to make a play. They shouldn’t come to a dead stop and bend way over. This defeats the purpose. They should be on the balls of their feet, not on their heels.
If the ball is hit right at them, they should stay low and come to the ball.
If the ball is hit away from them, they should move your feet accordingly and go after the ball.
Most high school, college and professional players have perfected the set step and have the timing down to an art.
A lot of infielders are also reading the catcher’s signs so they’ll know what pitch is being thrown.
This gives them an edge in where the ball might be hit.
In addition, infielders will relay the pitch to the outfielders so they’ll also know the pitch and be able to get a better jump on the ball.
If youth players understand the value of the set step and the advantage it offers them in making a play, they’ll have more range and the ability to get to balls they previously thought they had no chance to get near.
And, they’ll understand why baseball has sometimes been called a game of inches.
