In baseball, infielders often make quick decisions when fielding a ball. One of the common techniques used by infielders is to flare their glove, which is when the glove is opened and held away from the body. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of flaring the glove and whether or not it is an effective technique for infielders.
What is Flaring the Glove?
Flaring the glove is a technique used by infielders to increase their range when fielding a ground ball. When an infielder flares their glove, the glove is opened and held away from the body. The glove is held out at an angle so that the ball can be fielded from a greater distance. This facilitates a quicker reaction time and can be especially helpful for infielders who have slower reaction times.
Pros of Flaring the Glove
The most obvious benefit of flaring the glove is that it increases the range of the fielder. By flaring the glove, the infielder is able to get to a ball that may be just out of their reach. This can be especially beneficial for players who may not have the most agile reactions.
Another benefit of flaring the glove is that it allows the fielder to get to a ball more quickly. By flaring the glove, the fielder can anticipate where the ball is going and move accordingly. This can be especially helpful in a situation where the fielder needs to make a quick decision as to which way to move in order to field the ball.
Flaring the glove also helps the fielder get the ball out of their glove more quickly. By flaring the glove, the fielder can get the ball out of their glove more quickly and make a quicker throw to the base. This can be especially beneficial in situations where the fielder is trying to turn a double play.
Cons of Flaring the Glove
The primary disadvantage of flaring the glove is that it can make it more difficult for the fielder to field the ball. By flaring the glove, the fielder may not be able to get a good grip on the ball, which can lead to errors.
Another disadvantage of flaring the glove is that it can take away from the fielder’s reaction time. By flaring the glove, the fielder may not be able to make quick decisions as to which way to move in order to field the ball. This can be especially problematic in situations where the fielder needs to make a quick decision.
Finally, flaring the glove can make it more difficult for the fielder to make a throw to the base. By flaring the glove, the fielder may not be able to get a good grip on the ball and may not be able to make a quick, accurate throw.
Conclusion
Flaring the glove is a technique used by infielders to increase their range when fielding a ground ball. While the technique does have its benefits, it can also make it more difficult for the fielder to field the ball and make quick decisions. Ultimately, whether or not an infielder should flare their glove is a decision that should be based on individual preference and the situation at hand.