How to be a good shortstop
  • 1. What is the primary responsibility of a shortstop?
A) Playing first base
B) Catching pop-ups in foul territory
C) Pitching to the batter
D) Covering the area between second and third base
  • 2. Which throwing motion is generally preferred for quick throws?
A) Backwards
B) Underhand
C) Sidearm
D) Over the top
  • 3. What is a 'short hop'?
A) A very high popup
B) A throw that lands short of the target
C) A slow roller
D) A ball caught just after it bounces
  • 4. When covering second base on a steal attempt, where should you position yourself?
A) Behind the base
B) On the side of the base
C) In front of the base
D) Halfway to first base
  • 5. What is the double play pivot?
A) The act of calling for the ball
B) The movement of transferring the ball for a double play
C) The stance before throwing
D) Running to first base
  • 6. What is the most important skill for a shortstop?
A) Raw power
B) Height
C) Agility and quickness
D) Slow, deliberate movements
  • 7. Which base does the shortstop typically cover on a bunt towards third base?
A) First base
B) Second base
C) Third base
D) Home plate
  • 8. What type of glove is preferred for a shortstop?
A) A glove with a shallow pocket
B) A catcher's mitt
C) A first baseman's mitt
D) A glove with a deep pocket
  • 9. How should you position yourself relative to the batter's handedness?
A) Directly behind the pitcher
B) Slightly towards the batter's pull side
C) Far away from the batter
D) On the opposite side of the batter's pull side
  • 10. What is the key to making a good throw across the infield?
A) Ignoring the first baseman
B) Footwork and momentum
C) Closing your eyes
D) Just throwing the ball as hard as possible
  • 11. When is it acceptable to dive for a ball?
A) When it's the only way to make the play
B) When you are bored
C) When the coach yells at you
D) Every time a ball is hit towards you
  • 12. What is the most important attribute in communication?
A) Speaking quietly
B) Profanity
C) Clarity
D) Volume
  • 13. What is a 'force out'?
A) When a runner is safe
B) When a runner slides hard
C) When a runner is forced to advance to the next base
D) When a runner is tagged out
  • 14. What is 'range' in terms of shortstop play?
A) The amount of time you practice
B) The area you can cover effectively
C) The distance you can throw
D) The strength of your arm
  • 15. What should you do after every pitch?
A) Lay down
B) Run to the dugout
C) Stay in the same position
D) Reset your stance
  • 16. What should you communicate to the other infielders?
A) Nothing at all
B) Number of outs, runners on base, and potential plays
C) Personal insults
D) What you ate for breakfast
  • 17. How should you approach a slow roller?
A) Stay back and wait for the hop
B) Ask someone else to get it
C) Backpedal
D) Charge aggressively
  • 18. What is the most common error for a shortstop?
A) Running errors
B) Pitching errors
C) Catching errors
D) Throwing errors
  • 19. How does pitch selection impact your positioning?
A) You adjust based on likely batted ball direction
B) You take a nap
C) You start running around the field
D) It doesn't matter
  • 20. What is important to remember on a double play?
A) Argue with the umpire
B) Try to tag both runners at once
C) Get the lead runner first
D) Fall down
  • 21. When covering second base, which foot is generally on the bag first?
A) Doesn't matter
B) Left foot
C) Right foot
D) Both feet at the same time
  • 22. What is the importance of anticipation?
A) Reacting quickly to batted balls
B) Hoping the ball doesn't come to you
C) Predicting the future
D) Ignoring the game
  • 23. What is the advantage of using a 'quick release'?
A) Increases throwing accuracy
B) Reduces the time for a runner to reach base
C) It impresses the coach
D) Makes the ball curve more
  • 24. What is the best way to improve your fielding skills?
A) Ignoring practice
B) Eating unhealthy foods
C) Consistent practice
D) Watching TV
  • 25. What does it mean to 'attack the ball'?
A) Hiding from the ball
B) Throwing your glove at the ball
C) Moving forward aggressively to field the ball
D) Ignoring the ball
  • 26. What is a good warm-up routine?
A) Playing video games
B) Stretching and light jogging
C) Sleeping
D) Eating a big meal
  • 27. Why is it important to stay low to the ground?
A) To avoid getting hit by the ball
B) To hide from the coach
C) To look cool
D) To improve your reaction time and fielding range
  • 28. What is the benefit of watching professional shortstops?
A) To become famous
B) Learning advanced techniques
C) To waste time
D) To copy their uniform
  • 29. What is the most important personal trait for a shortstop?
A) Being tall
B) Ignoring the game
C) Having a large glove
D) Mental toughness
  • 30. What does good footwork do for a shortstop?
A) Makes the shortstop look stylish
B) Allows the shortstop to trip over themselves
C) Helps create momentum toward their target
D) Makes the shortstop run away from the ball
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