Gold Glove Footwork: The Ready Position Nobody Talks About
Brendan Rodgers
MLB Gold Glover · #3 Overall Pick
I led all MLB second basemen in assists and double plays in 2022. None of that happens without footwork — and footwork starts before the pitch is even thrown.
The Ready Position Is Everything
Most youth infielders stand flat-footed between pitches. By the time the ball is hit, they're already half a step behind. Gold Glove defense starts with a live, athletic stance — weight forward, knees soft, on the balls of your feet. You should be moving as the pitcher releases, not reacting after contact.
First-Step Explosiveness
The first step is the most important step. I've watched film on every elite infielder in the game, and the thing they all share is an explosive first step in the right direction. That comes from reading hitter tendencies, pitcher tendencies, and having a pre-pitch plan for every single batter.
The Double Play Turn
Turning a double play at the big league level means you have maybe 0.8 seconds from the time you catch the ball to the time it leaves your hand. There's no time to think. The footwork has to be automatic — inside pivot, outside pivot, jump turn — trained until it's muscle memory.
Learn From a Gold Glover in Volusia County
At The Dojo in Oak Hill, FL — serving athletes from New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Deltona, and beyond — we teach the same defensive footwork patterns I used to win a Gold Glove. Real technique. Real reps. Real results.
Oak Hill, FL · Near New Smyrna Beach
Train With Brendan
Book a private session at The Dojo and put these techniques to work with hands-on coaching.
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