Fielding
Fielding is often broken down into two main categories: ground balls and fly balls. Fielded almost the same between positions, including infield and outfield, these are the two most common fielding scenarios. Other scenarios such as fielding a bunt or picking a runner off will occur, but as with all other fundamental skills, fielding must be mastered on a general basis beforehand.
Fielding a Ground Ball
When fielding a ground ball, the main thing to remember is to keep your head on the ball. Sometimes players get nervous about the ball popping up and hitting them in the face and will pull their heads off of the ball at the last second. Pulling your head in turn pulls your hands, which lift off the ground allowing the the ball slip underneath and roll past.
To field a ground ball, the player should bend not only at the waist, but also at the knees. The butt should be parallel to the ground with one foot slightly in front of the other, preferably going towards the ball to intercept any unsuspected bad hops. The glove should be on the ground with the other hand above it, ready to scoop the ball in and make a quick transfer from glove to hand to throw. Players in the field should always be moving towards the batter so as to be ready for any type of ball that is hit.
When a ball is hit towards either side of the player, angles should be kept in mind. If the ball is going to a player forehand side, she should cut back at an angle behind the ball versus going straight towards it. As she cuts the angle, she can circle around the ball, scooping it up, planting her feet and making a good throw. The same applies for a "back hand," which entails the player making an angle to cut the ball off, keeping the knees bent, turning the glove over and putting it on the ground. A common mistake for back hands is for players to stab at the ball, which often is a failing effort and just results in the ball being missed. When the glove is turned over and on the ground, the ball can roll into it easier and allows the player to field the ball, turn, plant and make a good throw.
Catching a Fly Ball
Fly balls, or pop flies as they are sometimes called, all depend on the placement of the fielder under the ball. For pop ups in the infield, players should get under the ball first, then put their glove up with the opposite hand beside it, always keeping their eye on the ball and make the catch. The same rules generally apply to the outfield, except often times fielders have to run to get under the ball. Never run with your glove out, unless in a last desperate attempt to make the catch. Running with your glove in front of you often just slows you down and doesn't help in making a clean catch. When in the outfield, the key is to maintain the sense of angles when going to a ball and trying your best to get behind the ball and have your feet planted and ready for the coming throw before making the catch. Calling the ball is applicable to both infield, outfield, catcher and pitcher. Calling the ball lets your teammates know that you are going to try and make the catch and can often help avoid some nasty collisions that could ensue otherwise.