Ground Ball

A ground ball (or "grounder") is a batted ball that contacts the ground before reaching an outfielder. Ground balls are hit on the infield and require fielders to pick the ball up off the ground.

Types of Ground Balls

Hard Grounders

• Hit with authority
• Can get through the infield for hits
• Result of solid contact on the ball's top half

Slow Rollers

• Weak contact or bunts
• Give infielders time to charge
• Can be difficult to field cleanly

Choppers

• High-bouncing ground balls
• Give runners more time
• Can result in infield hits

Ground Ball Outcomes

For Hitters

• Generally less productive than line drives
• MLB batting average on ground balls: ~.240
• Risk of double plays with runner on first

For Pitchers

• Ground ball pitchers limit home runs
• Sinkers and two-seamers produce grounders
• Inducing ground balls = efficient outs

Fielding Ground Balls

Key fundamentals:

1. Get in front: Position body in ball's path
2. Stay low: Glove on the ground
3. Two hands: Secure the ball
4. Field it clean: Through the ball, not at it

Launch Angle Perspective

Ground balls have launch angles below 10 degrees. Modern hitting philosophy often discourages ground balls in favor of elevated contact.