Diamond No Ace: The Strongest Hitter

Chapter 36: Outfield Coaching and Training (1)

That evening, after buying drinks,

"What are you doing?" Fumino asked as she entered Sendo's room and saw him working on something on his computer.

"This is the footage those guys filmed over the past few days. I'm editing the fun parts to give to them as a gift when they graduate from junior high."

"Why did you suddenly decide to do it today?"

"I've been working on it every day! You just happened to come earlier today."

"Isn't this from when you pinched Sawamura this afternoon?"

"How is it? Funny, right? That guy!"

"He's a bit of a fool."

"Yeah, he's a bit clumsy, but he's a reliable guy."

"Is that so! Even though you always say they're tough, what do you really think about how they've been performing?"

"To be honest, they surprised me! Especially after the joint defense practice!"

"Huh?" Fumino was surprised since Sendo usually didn't show such feelings.

"These guys all work really hard, even Wakana. Do they love baseball, or do they just enjoy playing with Eijun? I'm not sure, but they never complain, training late into the night even in the scorching Tokyo summer, with extra practice sessions, too." As Sendo spoke, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"Everyone's progress is remarkable. After the joint practice, I was really shocked. I can only say that they really are a team that grew up together."

"Except for Eijun, who's a bit of a fool, the others have incredible chemistry."

"Before, their individual defense was weak because of the training methods, but now that their individual skills have improved, their teamwork is as if they're one body."

"Once they instinctively know what to do in various game situations, this team's defensive abilities will be among the strongest for junior high students."

"At least in terms of chemistry, I don't think they'll find a match. Not every team has the chance to have all its members grow up and train together from a young age."

"Usually, players get split up, or even in the same team, it's rare for more than two to make it to the starting lineup together.

"But in our Akagi Junior High baseball team, it's just these guys, which is why they've been able to practice and fight together all this time."

"So, you really have high hopes for them?"

"No. Junior high will be the peak for this team, so I want to take them as far as possible during this period."

"In sports, talent matters more than academics, although in student baseball, it's not that big of a deal. For some reason, I wish things could stay the same forever."

"Then let it stay the same! You all work hard together. For junior high, aim for the nationals; in high school, aim for Koshien!" Fumino said.

"Unfortunately, that's impossible!" Sendo thought to himself, though he couldn't explain why to anyone.

"..."

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing. Let's go study! Time to hit the books!"

"Are you done with the editing?"

"Yeah!"

....

The next day, Sendo called over the three outfielders and Sawamura separately, leaving the rest to Shin, who was assigned to act as the batting coach.

"We've done enough basic backup positioning practice, so now we'll move on to outfield direct throws. In junior high, the outfield distance is at most 80 meters, but in actual games, returning to home plate usually only requires a throw of about 50 meters. You don't need a super strong arm for a direct throw; just a few simple techniques!"

"This practice field is about 50 meters long, which is about right," Sendo said as he led the group to the side of the practice area, one section of the 50-meter space.

"First, for fast throws, especially when returning to home plate, you need to focus on your catching stance!"

"Catching stance?"

"Yes, the stance for catching a fly ball and for catching a fly ball you need to throw back are different, especially for direct throws to home plate!"

"Wakana!" Sendo said as he pulled out a ball and tossed it over to Wakana. "Can you throw me a fly ball in a moment? Everyone, watch my movements closely!"

"A fly ball usually gives us plenty of time to prepare, as long as we can lock in on the landing spot!"

"First, take two or three steps back from the landing point or position yourself two or three steps behind where the ball will land."

"You can choose whichever you prefer since you'll need to move forward to catch the ball."

"Retreating makes the catch easier, but if you stand right behind the landing point based on your prediction, it's easier to make mistakes."

"However, if you have a good sense of space, the latter is more efficient. Wakana, go ahead and throw it!"

"Got it!" Wakana threw a high fly ball.

"Charge!" Sendo used the second method, positioning himself behind the landing spot, then quickly took two small steps forward while explaining.

"Pop!"

"As you sprint forward, catch the ball with your body angled to the right!" Sendo demonstrated by catching the ball while stepping forward and narrating the movements in slow motion for the others to see.

"Then, as your left foot lands, use your body weight to throw the ball! This way, you can compensate for a lack of arm strength."

"Even if your arm strength is sufficient, this technique helps the ball reach the infield or home plate faster, completing the out."

"I'm a lefty, so I'm doing it the opposite way, but since everyone here except Eijun and me are right-handed, just follow what I say!"

"Now, about the throw itself. The throwing technique has a key point: you don't need to throw a high arcing ball like you do when playing catch in practice—that's just for warming up. The basic idea is to throw a low, powerful ball!" Sendo demonstrated again, this time with a smooth, continuous motion, sending the ball flying toward the wall.

The ball slammed into the wall fast and hard, landing just a few centimeters above the ground.

"Don't get too hung up on trying to avoid bounces. Compared to an arcing throw, this type of low, fast throw gets to your teammates quicker. And if the distance is too great for even this technique, let your infield teammates handle the relay!"

"Don't get hung up on avoiding bounces?"

"That's right. Also, practicing these low, fast throws will strengthen your shoulder, though it won't happen in just a few days."

"That's why you brought Eijun along!"

"Exactly!"

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