"Scoop / push thru" VS " funnel / absorb.."

[HoosierCoach]

I am a recent convert of the "push through" method of fielding ground balls (except for that occaisional smoker you just have to funnel / absorb / bring to your belly).
My problem is an 'old school' mentality with some of the other coaches / parents.

Can someone lay out a logical concise argument as to why this method is better?

I like it because :

1. Is quicker
2. Makes the fielder stay lower (with the other way, girls tend to 'straighten up')
3. Keeps the momentum moving forward

Arguments against I have heard:

1. You cant catch a hard shot with your palm
2. More consistent
3. Thats they way ### did it, and she was a superstar

Thanks

Bill

[3'sDad]

We try to teach our more skilled players the push thru method beause:
1. it's what the "A" level travel teams look for
2. As an example we say (we're from NY Metro area) " watch what Derek Jeter does, as he goes out after the ball instead of having it come to him"....Jeter is in proper position to field the balll and has his momentum going intot he throw( unless a backhand in the holee, of course).

[MTR]

Don't you love how people come up with these methodology names.

I don't think there is really anything new here, old school or new. Infielders have been throwing from their fielding position for years in softball at all levels of the game. The softball folks learned a long time ago that there isn't enough time to pick-up the ball and execute a standard throw from an upright position. A lot of these players can cover that 60' awfully quick.

I think you see more of the set-up to throw infielders in baseball. Ninety feet and a smaller pill gives them a little more time. It is not difficult to spot the baseball guys in a men's game, FP or SP. Quite a few of these young guns like to reach down for the ball and stand up to throw. They like to show off their arms. And that is fine until they are late to 1B a couple of times and their teammates will either get them to adjust or replace them.

One of the nuances of the different games. So many things dictate the mechanics. Size of the field, speed of the ball, speed of the runner, etc.

[socalsoftball]

Ozzie Smith used the "push thru" or "scoop method". I remember him teaching that method on TWIB notes when I was a little kid. Been around for a while.

[MTR]

Ozzie Smith used the "push thru" or "scoop method". I remember him teaching that method on TWIB notes when I was a little kid. Been around for a while.

Of course, you are right. Any middle man in the minors has to learn and adjust or they never see the show. The wizard had a knack of complete and total control of the ball any time he touched it. And he was always set up low when the ball was pitched. I don't think anything ever got under his glove.

[Whizzer86]

Ozzie Smith used the "push thru" or "scoop method". I remember him teaching that method on TWIB notes when I was a little kid. Been around for a while.

Of course, you are right. Any middle man in the minors has to learn and adjust or they never see the show. The wizard had a knack of complete and total control of the ball any time he touched it. And he was always set up low when the ball was pitched. I don't think anything ever got under his glove.

However............ not too many people are Ozzie Smith. His son could do the "cartweel backflip" but I haven't seen him in the all star game at SS lately.

[Joe]

Personally, I think the 'catch it with two hands, throw it with one' technique works pretty well.

[HoosierCoach]

Don't you love how people come up with these methodology names.

I don't think there is really anything new here, old school or new. Infielders have been throwing from their fielding position for years in softball at all levels of the game. The softball folks learned a long time ago that there isn't enough time to pick-up the ball and execute a standard throw from an upright position. A lot of these players can cover that 60' awfully quick.

I think you see more of the set-up to throw infielders in baseball. Ninety feet and a smaller pill gives them a little more time. It is not difficult to spot the baseball guys in a men's game, FP or SP. Quite a few of these young guns like to reach down for the ball and stand up to throw. They like to show off their arms. And that is fine until they are late to 1B a couple of times and their teammates will either get them to adjust or replace them.

One of the nuances of the different games. So many things dictate the mechanics. Size of the field, speed of the ball, speed of the runner, etc.

Actually, what I really love is when someone replies with a smarmy condescending post that rambles about some other sport, rather than furthering the OP's discussion.

[MTR]

Actually, what I really love is when someone replies with a smarmy condescending post that rambles about some other sport, rather than furthering the OP's discussion.

Let's see.

The OP raised a question about the differences of fielding mechanics of infielders;
It was noted how and why the differences most likely developed;
The development involved a similar sport;
Two other posters referenced specific players of the other sport;
Both of which are perfect examples of the obvously preferred softball mechanic.

Yeah, thank God there was no discussion.