You used to be taught to let the ball go as far as possible and then drop it on the runner, whereas now it might be even more advantageous to direct the ball in front of the bag and get the guy on the leg.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Training's completely different now. It used to be a lot of running and work without the ball. Now it's all with the ball, which any player loves.
You don't just throw the ball - you propel it.
The biggest mistake is trying to pinch down on the ball and ripping out a big divot, often hitting the ground before the ball. You'll dig up some turf, but you won't create much backspin.
I'm at my most comfortable out on the pitch when I'm in front of goal with the ball at my feet. It's about being used to certain situations, and with time, you will find, chances don't get snatched at.
When you lose the ability to step up and hit the ball as hard and as far as you want, that also affects your ability to will the ball to go where you want it to go, if you know what I mean.
When he hit a ground ball to you, you knew you had to make a good throw because he was going to be running.
You gotta keep the ball off the fat part of the bat.
Keep your head on the ball. You've got to hit it first, then look where it goes. People get in trouble when they look for where the ball's going, and they haven't even hit it yet.
If I lose the ball, I lose it trying to do the right thing. That's the way it is.
I just like the ball in my hands whether I'm running it or catching it.