how to field a gapper

by Dave Guirey
(Ft. Collins CO.)

Dave asked: Can you show a diagram on how to field a gapper?


Rick answered: Dave, thank you for your question.

Outfielders are looking to do one of three things on a ball hit into the gap:

1. Catch it in the air

2. Cut it off, if it's a ground ball

3. Field it off the fence

The decision as to how to field the ball depends on what the outfielders read "off the bat".

How hard it's hit and the angle needed to cut it off are determinations made at that point, based on the trajectory of the ball.

If you could resubmit your question with some additional details, I can provide you with a more in depth answer.

Yours in baseball,

Rick