Grounder

In baseball or softball, a 'grounder' refers to a type of batted ball that is hit along the ground rather than in the air. The term can also represent any ball that rolls or bounces off the ground to a player. Grounders may present unique challenges for fielders, as they must quickly judge the speed and trajectory of the ball to make a successful fielding play. Mastering the skill of fielding grounders is essential for infielders.

Grounder meaning with examples

• During warm-ups, the coach had the players practice fielding grounders. They took turns hitting ground balls to one another, emphasizing the importance of having soft hands and good footwork. The drill helped improve their reaction times, allowing them to become more confident fielders when a grounder was hit during a game, ensuring they could make the play and prevent runners from advancing.
• In the final innings of the championship match, the opposing team was relying on hitting grounders to get on base. Their strategy focused on forcing the infielders into making errors under pressure. However, thanks to several outstanding defensive plays by our shortstop, who expertly fielded grounders and made accurate throws to first base, we managed to maintain our lead and clinch the victory.
• The rookie pitcher, known for his fastballs, found himself struggling against hitters who were adept at sending grounders into play. To counter this, he focused on throwing more breaking pitches that would induce groundouts. His plan worked flawlessly, resulting in several easy grounder fielding opportunities for his teammates, showcasing how teamwork can turn a challenging situation into an advantageous one.
• As the team reviewed the game footage, they noted several instances where grounders could have been handled better. They decided to incorporate additional drills in practice focusing specifically on improving their grounder fielding skills. This initiative aimed at reducing errors and making the most of every play, ultimately boosting their overall performance as the season progressed.