You should set the same type of process oriented goals on defense that you set on offense. This means instead of making a goal to make 5 or fewer errors this season set a goal to be in the right defensive position before each pitch. If you are in the right position defensively it will give you a better chance to make more plays because you will be able to get to more balls under control. Plus setting this goal focuses on being positive, and we never want to build failure into our goals or be negative. Remember to always speak in positive terms when setting goals, this will keep you working on the skill instead of being afraid of the situation.
Goals for Defense:
*Always know where the play is at: Doing this will mean you are thinking ahead and when the ball is hit you already know what you are doing, thus eliminating a step in the fielding process.
*Communicate on every play: Talking will not only let your team know what is going on and where the play is going to be, it also keeps them awake and on their toes. If they here you talking the entire time, they will be more into the game.
*Always be in the proper pre-pitch position: This is a great goal. Not only is this goal good for being able to get to more balls it also means you are working on the game. Being in the right position changes with hitters and counts. Chances are you will play the 4 hitter to pull and even a little deeper, but you will play the 9 hitter straight up and a little more shallow. Also, moving in counts is great because you can assume a guy will take a more aggressive swing and get better results on 1-0, 2-0, and 3-1. When a hitter is in these counts you will generally play a little deeper and move toward his pull field. When a hitter is behind or has two strikes there is a good possibility his swings will be more defensive so you can move in and take away the bloopers and bleeders.
*Move with the pitch and Location: This is closely tied to the last goal, but this has to do with watching your catcher set up and even getting signs from infielders. For example as an outfielder if a left handed hitter is up and I see the catcher move to the outside part of the plate I will begin to shift the same way knowing the hitter will likely go to the opposite field and this works for infielders as well. As an infielder you can simply take 1-2 steps in the direction of your catcher to improve your chances of getting to a batted ball. If the pitcher makes a mistake and misses on the inside corner there is nothing you can do, you should always be confident you were in the position you were supposed to be in. A more advanced play would be to have the shortstop and second baseman relay signs to you. For example if the pitch is going to be off speed the infielder would give you an open hand and if the pitch is going to be a fastball he will give you a closed hand. Obviously he just flashes this behind he back. This gives you the advantage because a fastball might overpower a hitter so you can stay in your position or move a few steps to the opposite field. An off speed pitch has a good chance of getting pulled so you can slide in that direction.
Again set goals that will make you focus on the game, not goals you have no control over. You never know when a ball will kick up and you get an error, but if you were in the right position pre-pitch you gave yourself the best chance to get to the ball. Also, goals set in a positive tone help you focus on getting better at a skill. Always stay positive, this game is tough enough without beating yourself. Have fun, play hard, and hopefully these posts will teach you something you can implement into your game.
As always I want to hear from you, leave a comment or tell me about goals you have set in the past.
