Players should get ready as the pitch is being delivered in every practice and every game.

But, what does “getting ready” mean?

• It’s a head start!

• Getting ready isn’t simply bending your knees and having your glove and hands on your knees:

• The proper position is to be moving forward onto the balls of your feet, knees bent, and hands out in front as the pitcher delivers the ball:

• For infielders, they can literally “hop” as the pitch is being delivered in order get momentum and be ready:

• For outfielders, they follow the same principles (moving forward onto the balls of your feet, knees bent, and hands out in front) but keep your hands higher up around thighs and you do not need to get as low:

• Instead of “hopping” like infielders, outfielders take a step forward (“creep step”) to get ready:

• Getting ready before the pitch is necessary to get the proper jump on the ball and be in a position to make the play: