Baseball Position By Position
A YOUNG PLAYER MANAGERS G U I D E T O EACH DEFENSIVE POSITION ON THE DIAMOND AND INSIGHT ON BASE RUNNING FOR THE OFFENSE Playing 1st Base
A FIRST BASEMAN IS THE PLAYER ON THE TEAM PLAYING DEFENSE WHO FIELDS THE AREA N E A R E S T F I R S T BASE , AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAJORITY OF PLAYS MADE AT T H AT BASE . IN THE NUMBERING SYSTEM USED TO RECORD DEFENSIVE PLAYS, THE F I R S T BASEMAN IS ASSIGNED THE N U M B E R 3 .
A FIRST BASEMAN IS INVOLVED IN MORE PLAYS DURING A GAME THAN ANY OTHER POSITION EXCEPT PITCHER AND CATCHER.
1st Baseman Position / Stance / Footwork
The most important job for the first baseman is to catch the ball on a force out at first base. Catching the ball is not quite the same as just playing catch with teammates. A good 1st Baseman must work on catching balls that are bounced in the dirt.
The beginning position for a 1st baseman will be about where the cutout of the infield grass starts (most fields 6 to 10 feet) towards second base and a couple feet behind 1st Base.
On a ball put in play, quick reaction to 1st base is essential. If the ball is not hit directly at you, glance quickly to about where the ball is going and get to 1st base quickly and DO NOT WATCH the ball to see what happens. Your first job is to get to the base.
As you move to the bag you will want to “straddle” the base with a foot on the front side and the back side (side facing the catcher and side facing right field) of the base. As the ball is fielded and a throw is being made you want to place your throwing side foot on the middle edge of the side facing 2nd base (inside of the base). You will want the instep of your foot to be on the edge of the base with the ball of your foot on the ground pushing back onto the base. Note: If the ball is hit to the in front of the pitchers mound your LEFT foot should rest on the inside part of the base so you give as big a target as possible as the throw will be coming from “behind” the runner.
Make a Target! Hold your glove up around the middle of your chest. This will give the fielder of the ball a good target. Your arm should be slightly bent and your glove in a “flat” and open position.
Stretch to every catch. After, and only after, the ball is thrown do you step with your glove side foot towards where the ball is being thrown. This step should be as large as comfortable in order to receive the ball in as fast as time as possible. You must keep your throwing side foot on the base!
DO NOT stretch before the ball is on its way. This is a common mistake and doing so can get you out of position to catch the ball.
As the ball travels to 1st base the player steps on the edge of the base with proper foot and stretches to oncoming ball to receive it in as short a distance as possible beating the runner by fractioins of a second!
Steve Pearce with proper footwork Getting yourself ready is very important. As the pitcher releases the ball you should get yourself ready for the ball to be hit at you. 3rd base is called the “Hot Corner” but if the batter is a lefty, a hard hit ball can be upon you so fast that you may have little time to react. BE READY!
Albert Pujols perfect ready position as the ball is pitched 1st Baseman Playing the Position – Basics 1
Your job as a first baseman will have you playing in many different areas of the field in normal play.
No runner on 1st Base Play 6 to 10 feet off the 1st base line and a couple feet behind the base. You may have to shift your position if you know how the batter hits the ball, but this standard starting position will help you cover the base on a ball put in play.
Runner on 1st Base (league allows runner to lead off) or Position for pick off attempt after leading off. Play on the front side of the base. Place your right foot just in front of the front side of the base. Some players actually place their foot and have it touching the front side. Either is proper. Place your left foot so you are in an athletic position with your shoulders square to the pitcher – body is facing the pitchers mound. Give the pitcher a target with your glove and have it centered on your body like you would be receiving a throw from a fielder during a normal play at 1st base.
If the ball is hit to the right side, towards you and the 2nd baseman only move towards the ball if you think you can field it by moving three to four steps to your right. Any further than that and getting back to 1st base to cover and catch an oncoming throw will be difficult.
If ball is hit to your right side and you are able to get to the ball, expect the pitcher to cover first or you can wave the pitcher off and run to the base for the out if you believe you can easily beat the batter-runner.
If the ball is hit to the left side (3rd or SS), quickly get to the base and ready yourself for the throw. Be ready to stretch for the throw or catch it if bounced.
Upon catching the ball, step off the base quickly. This helps from being potentially stepped on by the batter-runner. Don’t remove your foot from the base early as the ump will call that and the runner will be called safe!
1st Baseman Playing the Position – Basics 2
Always be aware of all other base runners after a play at 1st base. Runners at other bases are free to continue running. Don’t argue calls with an ump or get upset about a call. Games have been lost even in the Majors (MLB) because a first baseman got upset at a call and forgot about a runner at third going home.
MOVE MOVE MOVE! When a throw is off target you must make every effort to catch or stop the ball. Your first responsibility is to not allow the ball to get by you so runners can not advance on a poorly thrown ball. Don’t let a single turn into a double or triple because you let a wild throw get by first base.
When the ball is hit into the outfield, you must move out of the batter-runners way so they can freely round 1st and move to 2nd if they want. If the ball is hit to Left field, you should move towards 2nd base and back up the 2nd baseman. You should not move any closer than about half the way to second. This will allow you to get back to first and behind a runner if a pickle (run down) starts because the runner tries to get back to 1st base upon realizing they are not going to make it to second safely.
If the ball is hit to right field you must be ready for a throw. It is not advised for an outfielder to try and get the batter-runner out at first, but sometimes because of the position of the RF and the speed of the ball that was hit, a play can be made at 1st. Be aware!
Practice catching the ball on both the forehand and backhand sides. You will need to be able to catch bases throw to both your left and right side. Also practice catching balls that are bounded to you. Many throws to first will be rushed and end up short and bounced to you. You MUST be comfortable at catching the ball!
After catching the ball at first, get the ball back to the pitcher in a quick fashion. Do not hold onto the ball after catching 1st Baseman Playing the Position - Bunts
Your job as a first baseman will normally be to rush any bunt attempt. You are responsible for the area down the right field line and towards the pitchers mound. Think of it as a line drawn from home plate to a normal position of the 2nd baseman. Remember, the pitcher and catcher will cover very short or up the middle bunts.
No runner on 1st Base Play 6 to 10 feet off the 1st base line but now play on the grass or on the edge of the grass (inside the runners path from 1st to 2nd)
Runner on 1st Base (league allows runner to lead off) or Position for pick off attempt after leading off. Play on the front side of the base. You still want to hold the runner!
As the pitch is made you will advance towards home plate. Remember to rush towards the batter and be ready for the batter to “slap-hit” the ball instead of bunting.
Be ready to move out of the way of the pitcher or catcher. They will have an easier throw as they are moving in the direction of the throw and unlike you where you will be running away from 1st base, have to pick up the ball and turn completely around in order to make the throw.
RELAX! Many times bunts are not fielded properly because the player is rushed or thinks they need to rush. This is often not the case. Relax and field the ball first. Once you have the ball, then figure out how quickly you need to turn and throw. Many times you will not have to rush because the bunt is meant to advance another baserunner and the play is easy to make at first.
Be ready to throw out the lead runner at 2nd or 3rd. If the bunt is hard enough you may have time to get the lead runner! Remember though, it is important to get at least one out, so your play should always have going to 1st as the priority. In a sac-bunt situation they are giving you an OUT --- TAKE IT!
Player movement with runner on 1st or 2nd with less than 2 outs.
Get an out no matter what.
Most of the time this will be going to the first, unless it’s a hard bunt back at the pitcher or right in front of the catcher. Your players have to know that it’s okay to get the out at another base, but they need to be 100% sure about that out. 1st Baseman does not always rush on a bunt. 1st Baseman Playing the Position – Cuts/Back Up
REMEMBER – A Cutoff is different than a Relay.
A cut off is for the purpose of stopping and changing the defenses attempt at getting a runner out. Cutoffs usually occur when a runner is trying to advance to 3rd or Home. The cutoff is made to attempt to get a runner behind the runner trying to score or advance to 3rd.
You are responsible for being the cut-off player if runner at 2nd and the ball is hit to RF or CF.
Hits to OF (RF & CF) On balls hit to RF You will move towards home plate and align yourself between RF and home plate.
On balls hit to CF You will move towards the back of the pitchers mound and align yourself between CF and home plate.
You are the cutoff and need to be aware if there could be a play at home. The catcher may or may not call “cut cut cut” if he does not think there is a play at the plate. By watching the runner from 2nd turns 3rd and head towards the plate, you should get a good feeling about how much time you have to either cut the ball or allow it to proceed to home.
You will cut the ball if there are runners that are proceeding to the next base and a play at the plate is unlikely to get an out. You cut the ball in order to still get at least one out on the play by now stopping the ball from going home and in turn throw the ball to another base to get another runner out.
Runner on 2nd and hit to either CF or RF with a possible play at the plate.
If the ball is hit deep and will be a double or better (runner on 2nd will score easily) the 1st baseman would turn into a relay or a backup.
If ball is hit to LF the first baseman will want to move towards 2nd base to backup a throw to 2nd or to cover 2nd in case the second baseman has moved to be a Proper Cutoff backup to the SS on a throw to 3rd position base. for 1st Baseman
1st Baseman Playing the Position – Cuts/Back Up
On balls hit to LF Backup any throw from LF to second base. If the ball gets by the 2nd baseman on a throw from LF it is your job to make sure it does not get very far and it then becomes your job to stop any attempt at runners advancing because of the missed throw.
If the ball gets by the LF towards the left field or left center field wall, the 1st baseman should “float” to cover second. The play is now to stop the runner from getting to 3rd base. Even most slow runners can get to 2nd on a ball that gets by the outfielder and therefore the play becomes a play at 3rd.
The 2nd baseman will not be covering second base as it becomes his responsibility to be the “2nd backup” and he is to position himself about 15 feet behind the SS who is now in his cut-off position. This is done to make sure that any throw that gets past the cut-off is quickly retrieved in order to prevent the runner from getting to 3rd base.
NOTE: Some coaches may teach the 1st baseman is to move towards the 3rd base line and have the RF player come in to cover 2nd base. This should only be a thought if there is a runner on 1st base and there is a potential to have a play at home. The 1st baseman must judge the speed of the runner and when the OF picks up the ball. This is why “floating” towards 2nd base, between the bag and the pitchers mound allows quick reaction to either 2nd base if no play will be made at the plate or towards the 3rd base side of the pitchers mound if there looks to be a possible play and then the 1st baseman becomes a cutoff from a relay throw by the SS in mid-left field.
Playing 2nd Base
A SECOND BASEMAN IS THE PLAYER ON THE TEAM PLAYING DEFENSE WHO FIELDS THE AREA T O F I R S T BASE SIDE OF SECOND BASE A N D TO THE SECOND BASE SIDE OF THE FIRST BASEMAN. I N T H E NUMBERING SYSTEM USED TO RECORD DEFENSIVE PLAYS, THE FIRST BASEMAN IS ASSIGNED THE NUMBER 4.
A SECOND BASEMAN IS INVOLVED IN PLAYS DURING A GAME THAT INCLUDES DEFENDING STEALS, DOUBLE PLAYS, RELAYS AND BALLS PUT INTO PLAY TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FIELD.
2nd Baseman Position / Stance / Footwork
The most important job for the second baseman is to cover the large area between 1st and 2nd base. The 1st baseman can only move a short distance away from 1st base to catch a ball hit to the right side of the field and therefore a 2nd baseman must be quick in reaction and have a terrific glove. Second basemen are rarely required to make throws anywhere but to first base or to the shortstop covering 2nd; therefore, arm strength is not a concern as it is at third or short. Above all, a second baseman must be able to make decisions and think on his feet, as he has many responsibilities.
The beginning position for a 2nd baseman will be about 2/3rds of the way from 1st Base to second base for normal. During double play possible at bats, the 2nd baseman will “squeeze” towards second base a little to help in getting to 2nd base quickly in order to get the advancing runner.
On a ball put in play, quick reaction to the ball is essential. Even if the ball is hit to another player, the 2nd baseman must move towards the ball to either back up a player (ball hit to 1st baseman), cover 2nd base or act as a relay.
During a double play you want to place your LEFT side foot on the middle of 2nd base and square your shoulders to the player throwing you the ball to give a large target. As the ball is thrown, you will want to step towards the ball with the right foot with the best possible motion having stepping “across the base” in catching the ball. You may have to step sideways or backwards if the throw is off target. BE READY to react! Step to every catch. After, and only after, the ball is thrown do you step with your glove side foot towards where the ball is being thrown. This step should be just large enough to get yourself away from the base to assist with your throw.
Make a Target! During double plays or steal attempts hold your glove up around the middle of your chest. This will give the fielder of the ball a good target. Your arm should be slightly bent and your glove in a “flat” and open position.
Common mistakes are to step on 2nd base during NON-FORCE plays and to step on 2nd base with the right foot during double plays. Younger players also forget that they need to cover 1st base on bunts and back up the first baseman on hits to that position or on some throws to first base from the SS or 3rd baseman. Dustin Pedroia in near perfect form. Butt down, head and hands forward. Top hand ready to cover ball upon entering the glove
Dusting Pedroia fielding a ground ball Robby Cano working with fielding coach on getting to the base and with proper footwork in order to get the out at second and be best prepared to receive the thrown ball and then throw the ball to first.
Notice – Left foot on top outfield side of base and glove in middle of chest.
Robinson Cano showing proper footwork and position 2nd Baseman Playing the Position – Basics 1
Second base is absolutely vital, and should be filled by one of the best defensive players on your team. If coached correctly, it can be a key to the team’s defensive effort.
Your job as a second baseman will have you playing in many different areas of the field in normal play as you could have to cover 1st base on a bunt or cover 2nd base on a double play or a hit to the out field or you could be in the outfield to become a relay on a deep hit ball to right or center field.
No runner on 1st Base Play about 1/3rd the distance off the 2nd base towards first base. Remember, the pitcher becomes a fielder as soon as he releases the ball and can expect to cover some balls hit up the middle. You should be about 4 to 6 feet deep from the base path at a minimum. The older the players in your division the deeper you should be playing. At the highest levels of play, many second baseman will play at the edge of the infield where the grass portion of the outfield starts.
Runner on 1st Base Play closer to 2nd base unless the batter is a left handed hitter. This is to help in double plays attempts making it easier to get to 2nd base quickly
If the ball is hit to the right side, towards you and the 1st baseman you must quickly move to the ball and assume the play is yours. No Runner on 1st Your throw should be calmly made to 1st. Remember, you have the closest throw of any position on the field. Runner on 1st Your throw can be to 2nd or 1st so you need to be aware of the position of the runner as you catch the ball. Do not try to always get the runner going to second but look at where the runner is and make a decision to throw it to 2nd only if you think you can get the runner out. Remember, you still have an out to get at 1st base! The priority is the lead runner at 2nd . Runners on 2nd or 3rd and no runner on 1st Your best play is to get the out at 1st base. It would be extremely rare to attempt to get a runner going from 2nd to 3rd on a ball hit to second. Unless the manager has brought the infield in (players on the grass) you will not attempt to get a runner going from 3rd to home. You will go for the sure out at first and allow the runner to score. 2nd Baseman Playing the Position – Basics 2
On hits to the outfield you will need to be on the move. Standing still is not acceptable.
Ball hit to RF or CF No Runners On or Runner on 2nd or 3rd Only Second baseman will move towards OF and try to line up between the fielder and 2nd base. They need to get onto the grass area of the outfield and be more than ½ the distance away from the right fielder but not more than ¾ of the distance from the right fielder to 2nd base. If the ball is a short hit, expect the throw to go all the way to SS covering 2nd base and step to the side and do not try to catch the ball. Still expect an easy throw and then a throw into the pitcher or SS who should be covering 2nd base. If the ball is hit deep towards the fence, the second baseman needs to move deeper into outfield. For every 2 steps the right fielder takes away from the second baseman the second baseman should move 1 step towards to right fielder. Be ready to relay the ball all the way to 3rd base. With a ball hit deep the player is almost assured a double and there is rarely a play there and the SS and Pitcher should be telling the 2nd baseman if the batter is trying to get to 3rd base. Runner on 1st Move toward outfield but not as deep because you may have to relay the ball all the way to 3rd base. They need to be a little more half way from 3rd base, which for normal depth of a RF/CF player is just about the grass edge. Only throw to 3rd base if you are 100% sure of getting the runner. If there is a throw and no out at 3rd is made the other team will probably have runners on 2nd and 3rd as the batter might try for 2nd on the throw to 3rd depending on outs. It is better to have 1st and 3rd as the possible double play is still in order or if two outs you have two plays for an out – 2nd and 1st base! Runner on 2nd – Hit does not get by OF Move toward 1st base to cover the base in case the 1st baseman cuts the throw home and is trying to get the batter-runner who makes to “wide” a turn at first and there is no play at home. If ball hit over the heads of the OF the player should play the No Runner setup
Runner on 2nd and hit to either CF or RF with a possible play at the plate.
Be ready for a throw from the 1st baseman if he cuts the ball is going to try and get runner at 1st base.
Remember – this is a normal hit ball to RF or CF – not a deep hit ball that gets past OF. In that case there will be no play at home and player Proper Cutoff position should play as nd though there were for 2 Baseman no runners on. with runner on 2nd w/ hit to RF or CF 2nd Baseman Playing the Position – Basics 3
Ball hit to SS or 3rd No Runners On or on 2nd or 3rd only. Second baseman will move towards 1st base. Make movement towards grass and dirt line behind 1st base. This will allow you to react to an overthrow that could bounce at an angle back into the field of play towards the outfield side of 1st base. DO NOT GO TOWARDS THE ACTUAL BASE! Runner on 1st base Move to 2nd base STAND ON BASE with left foot if you can get there before throw arrives. Be ready for a throw and quick reactions to move toward to ball if thrown from 3rd baseman and step across to attempt double play with throw to first. See The Pivot Section
Ball hit to LF (not deep or past LF player) No Runners On or Runner on 2nd and/or 3rd Second baseman will move towards 2nd base and should ready to receive throw and tag runner attempting to get to 2nd base. DO NOT STAND ON BASE!! Runner on 1st base Move to 2nd base as with No Runner defense DO NOT STAND ON BASE!! Call which base to throw towards. If SS cuts the ball he needs to know if the runner is trying to make 3rd base from 1st on the hit. Not usually smart for the runner to do that because of the short distance between LF and 3rd base but it does happen. Be ready for a throw from SS if the runner gets too far away from 2nd base and is not attempting to get to 3rd. Quick reactions and good communication between players can get that runner! Ball hit to LF and goes to fence Move into a double cut position by positioning yourself about 15 feet behind the SS who is in the outfield as the primary cutoff. There will almost always be no play at 2nd base and the thought is the play is at 3rd. The 1st baseman will be moving toward 2nd base to cover on such a deep hit allowing you to become the double cut. Important to be behind the SS so that a missed ball can be caught quickly. Runner on 1st and hit to LF with a possible play at 3rd base. Be ready for a throw from the SS if he cuts the ball is going to try and get runner at 2nd base. Remember – this is a normal hit ball to LF, not a deep hit ball that gets past OF. In that case there will be no play at 2nd and the 2nd baseman should move to become a backup (double cut off) to the SS who has moved deeper into the outfield as the Proper Cutoff position primary cutoff . for 2nd Baseman with runner on 1st w/ hit to LF 2nd Baseman Turning 2 – The Pivot
The Double Play is considered one of the most beautiful plays in all of baseball. It takes exceptional timing and catching and throwing skill. Even so, it can be taught through practicing the basic skills needed to perform the “Pitcher’s Best Friend.”
As the Pivot Player – Receiving the ball at 2nd base Use the Free Right Foot Method Left Foot on the top of the base. Right foot big toe directly across from middle of left foot. No further back! Weight should be on balls of both feet with knees flexed/bent. Feet should be width of shoulders for good athletic position. Right foot should be off the base and to outfield side of 2nd base. Glove positioned chest high with shoulders square to the player throwing. The Pivot Initial step as he receives the ball is with his right foot Move towards the ball Rocker Step With left foot in contact with the base the player steps back with right foot, transfers weight to this foot, and then strides toward 1st base with his left foot and throws Rocker Step is a very common pivot and is effective at all levels of play Player will end up to the outfield side of the baseline Step Across With left foot in contact with the base the player will step “across” the bag towards the throw and plant his right foot as he catches the ball and on transfer of weight to the right foot the player will pull foot from base and stride towards 1st base and throw. Stepping across on a perfect throw is the BEST method Player goes to meet the ball and starts pivot sooner Rhythm step is started before ball is received Player is out of the baseline and to the inside of the diamond making it more difficult to be taken out of the play Get out of the runner’s way! As the ball travels to 2nd base the player steps on the middle of the base and squares his body to receive the throw. The player must be ready to move towards the ball and then throw the ball to first while avoiding the oncoming runner
Chase Utley “turning 2” with proper footwork and position 2nd Baseman Playing the Position – Turning 2
Be there in Time The most important factor is turning a double play is getting to 2nd base before the ball arrives. “Cheat” up the middle. Player will move slightly toward 2nd base from their normal position. This is usually 2 to 3 steps closer home and to 2nd base. Many managers move their players too far towards the base leaving a large hole in the defense. Get ONE out for sure Primary responsibility of the 2nd baseman is to get the lead runner at 2nd base and not to throw out the runner at first. Many younger player are eager at trying to get the out at first and the usual results are no outs are made. Body Balance As the player approaches 2nd base they should go from a run to a chop step. These steps help the player control their balance and weight. Chop steps also make stepping on 2nd base with the LEFT foot easier. Throwing Rhythm DON’T THROW FLAT FOOTED Take step with right foot as ball is about to be caught towards direction of ball. Tell your 2nd baseman – “Get to your Right leg” for rhythm and power to throw to first base. Step directly toward 1st base With the player planting their right foot on catching the throw in step above the player must step directly toward 1st base with their LEFT foot. If a line were drawn from his pivot foot (Right) to first base, the striding foot (Left) would be placed down slightly to the left of this line. Failure to step directly towards first base will have the player throwing across his body which limits throwing speed and accuracy. (Unless you are Robby Cano)
2nd Baseman Playing the Position – Turn 2 cont.
Stay out of Baseline Use proper footwork to step away from the runner’s path Best to step across with right foot during transfer from left to right foot upon catching the ball and then step toward 1st base with the left as this gets you to the inside of the runner and out of the baseline for a clean throw. A step backwards with the right foot (pivot foot) is acceptable but takes you less out of the baseline and leaves you more open to a take out slide by the runner and your throw will be closer to the baseline path. Tell your player that 1st base never moves and it is the runner’s responsibility to slide or move from the path of the ball. Thumb to Thumb To help with quickness, the throwing hand should be carried alongside the glove with your “thumbs together.” The ball can be removed from glove more quickly than if the glove has to be brought back to the throwing hand. Use SS throw action The throw from 2nd to 1st during a double play must be quick and a long circling arm throw takes time. Use the compact arm action when throwing, like a SS does on normal plays When ball is caught in the glove, the glove and the ball are pushed as far to the throwing side as possible. Elbow leads the way going back and up. Hand is kept on top of the ball. Ball does not drop below the belt “Listen to the ball” – Bring the ball in a compact circle to close to your ear and release with your wrist above the ball and throwing keeping your wrist, arm and elbow at shoulder level. Finish the throw arm high and pinky finger pointed up to the sky.
After catching the ball the 2nd baseman transfers the ball from glove to hand and in a compact circle throwing motion brings ball shoulder height as if he was “listening to the ball” to begin quick throw to 1st base.
See how he uses the base as protection against incoming slide. A step across method gets you out of the sliding line of an on Omar Infante’s coming runner. compact throwing style shown Playing 3rd Base
A T H I R D BASEMAN IS THE PLAYER ON THE TEAM PLAYING DEFENSE WHO FIELDS THE AREA N E A R E S T T H I R D BASE , AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAJORITY OF PLAYS MADE AT T H AT BASE . IN THE NUMBERING SYSTEM USED TO RECORD DEFENSIVE PLAYS, THE F I R S T BASEMAN IS ASSIGNED THE N U M B E R 5.
A T H I R D B AS E M AN IS INVOLVED IN PLAYS THAT RANGE FROM THE SOFTEST HITS, BUNTS, TO SOME OF THE HARDEST HITS, THUS GIVING IT N I C K N A M E – THE HOT CORNER .
3rd Baseman Position / Stance / Footwork
The most important job for the 3rd baseman is to cover the area down the 3rd base foul line of the infield. The SS will cover much of the left side of the field on ground balls as they play deeper in the infield, but the 3rd baseman must range to both left and right covering the line and getting to softly hit balls toward SS. Third basemen are required to make throws to all bases and therefore arm strength is a concern and a very strong throwing arm is a must.
Normal position will be about 6 to 10 feet to the 2nd base side of 3rd base and depending on the strength of the batter, the player could be as close to the batter as the grass of the infield or well behind 3rd base.
On a ball put in play, quick reaction to the ball is essential. There is a reason this position is call “The Hot Corner.” Right handed hitters that turn on pitches can hit some of the hardest hit balls to this position leaving very little time to react. Good hands and quick reactions are a must!
Fielders at other positions often have the time to round the ball and play it in front of them. For the most part, the third baseman doesn't have this luxury. At third base you must be able to cross over quickly and get to the ball hit to either side. Work very hard on your lateral movement and fielding ground balls, both backhanded and to your glove hand side.
The Third baseman will act as a cutoff during some hits to left field and will cover 3rd base during any other hit.