Catching the ball in front of you is arguably the easiest way to take away a base hit in the outfield.
As you are tracking the ball, and running in at full speed, if you need to make a throw, you will need to additionally set your footing to catch the ball to the outside of your glove foot.
The first objective is to make the catch. Do not sacrifice the catch in an attemp to position yourself for the throw. However, it is important to work on catching the ball in this position, with your throwing foot back and your hips down so you can immediately take a large "crow hop" and step right into throwing position. Your hands should scoop upward as your throwing foot takes a large step forward to start the hop.
Level 3 Outfielding - Outfield Slides/Dives
For balls to the side, at the far extent of your range, it may be necessary to slide or dive to make the catch. It is recommended to learn the slide before diving.
If you use the standard "figure 4 slide" used for baserunning, you should already know how to lower your elevation and place your throwing side ankle behind your glove side knee with your foot up and the weight on your seat. Depending on the length of the grass and your angle, you may be able to perform a "pop-up" slide right into a crow hop. Practice the slide from increasing fractional speeds; and, only practice the pop-up slide into a crow hop if you can perform it for baserunning.
A dive includes lowering your elevation to a fully crouched position before stretching/leaping forward with your hands up.
Level 3 Outfielding - Playing the Fence
As the level of competition you play against increases, you will most likely get an increased number of balls hit deeper into the outfield. As a result, it becomes important to learn how to field balls hit to the fence and near the fence.
For a fly ball hit near or to the fence, you should sprint to the warning track (decellerating as you reach the track) and find the fence with your throwing hand (as your last two steps are nearly walking speed, being careful to not injure your wrist, elbow or shoulder). As you are keeping your eyes on the route of the ball, now you can come through the ball if it is in front of you or time your leap if it is just above you.
For a ball that is going to hit the fence or wall before you can reach it, position yourself for the ball to bounce in the opposite angle at which it hits the fence/wall.
