As with any skill certain fundamentals must be applied when fielding ground balls. Consideration is given to the pitcher’s velocity, pitch location, the hitter’s swing and even to climate conditions. Properly fielding ground balls, however, requires understanding the fundamentals of a variety of skills. The first of these skills is positioning. The second baseman will position herself, under normal circumstances, deep in the hole located between first and second base. The reason for the positioning of the second baseman deep in the hole is to maximize her ability to charge grounders and to cover the field commonly associated with gap play. Popups too short right field or beyond the reach of the first baseman ideally are the second baseman’s responsibility. An experienced second baseman learns to anticipate the flight of the ball based on the hitter’s swing and the pitcher’s velocity. The advantage that the second baseman gains from this experience can be monumental in improving her team’s defense. Furthermore, the second baseman needs to be familiar with the coverage ability of her shortstop, her first baseman and her rightfielder. Each of these considerations will influence where the second baseman will position herself. The advantage of the second baseman to play deep in the hole is significant compared to second baseman who have limited range and they are unable to cover as much ground.