In the starting (ready) position, there are two basic foot positioning options to try. The first option is keeping your feet even and under your upper arms.
The second option is dropping your throwing foot to one foot-length behind your glove foot (this option can be used if you are significantly better breaking to the ball hit toward your glove side).
Get in the "athletic position" with knees slightly bent and your body loose, ready for movement. Your hands can sit at the top of your thighs; but, don't rest your weight on your thighs. Also, be sure to keep your hands off of your knees. Weight on your thighs or knees can slow down your first step.
Level 1 Outfielding - First Step
As you are learning, your first step should always be back (at the advanced levels of reacting to angles, acceleration and sound, you may break in on some balls; but for a beginning outfielder, you should always step back).
Your goal should be to track the ball from POC (point of contact) to try to read the trajectory of the ball. If the ball is hit straight at you, turn and run straight back. If the ball is hit to your glove side, turn back angled in that direction and run. If the ball is hit toward your throwing side, run back angled in that direction.
It is much easier to make a late adjustment to a ball in front of you as opposed to a ball going over your head; and, it is better for a ball to fall in front of you than to get over your head.
Level 1 Outfielding - Catching Position
As you track the ball, stay behind it. Then, position your body behind the path of the ball, with your body pointed in the direction toward where you will be throwing the ball (for example, if you are throwing to 2nd base, your hips and chest should be facing 2nd base).
As you make the catch, come through the ball (this is where breaking back on the ball and staying behind the trajectory are important fundamentals again).
Your ideal positioning includes catching the ball over your throwing shoulder, with your throwing foot one foot-length behind the level of your glove foot. With your throwing thumb just behind your glove thumb, you will be in an efficient position to make a throw.
