Fielding grounders.

Question
QUESTION: First thanks for your time.  I found this site and am grateful people can find spare time to help.  My son is new on a team and the coach is requesting the boys take two small steps forward at the pitchers break with the glove to the ground.  While I agree with the stepping forward I feel that the glove on the ground requires the boys to lift the glove first to move if the ball is not hit directly to them.  Am I mistaken.  Also as a new person on the team how do you approach something you feel may be incorrect.  I have played ball over 15 years and still play softball but have never officially coached.  Please help.

ANSWER: David,
There are many ways to lead up to a ground ball.  Some coaches only want their players to do things their way.  To go against the coach is a tough call.  The thought process behind getting the glove on the ground is that it is easier to bring the glove up than down.  I agree with this logic but limited to certain positions.  Positions that require reaction should be ready in a low glove position.  Positions that require range may start a little higher.  
I use three positions:
    Position 1:  in between pitches when the pitcher is getting ready and awaiting a sign.  During this time the fielder can start in a relaxed position with his hands on his knees.  
    Position 2:  This position starts when the pitcher starts his motion and up to release.  In this position the fielder should get lower with his weight on the balls of his feet and shifting from left to right.  
    Position 3:  This position starts when the pitcher releases the ball.  The fielder should take two short steps toward home plate landing on the balls of his feet in a low position but remaining comfortable and relaxed.  The glove should also open an show the palm to the hitter.  If I were a third baseman I might get my glove low because of the short reaction time if the ball is hit directly me.  If I am playing short stop I will have time to move before the ball gets to me.  For this reason I may get my glove to knee height in more of a ready position.  Either way is correct but it comes down to which way gets the job done and which way is more comfortable for the player.  If your son is not comfortable doing it the coaches way, you should talk to the coach.  If their is a different way that gets the job done with no errors than I cant see the coach having a problem.

Thank You for the question,
John Priest

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: YOur answer was VERY helpful.  One last clarification:  As a short stop should the glove be touching the ground?  I agree with all of your statements especially regarding third base but feel at short when your glove is touching the ground your range is very limited as you lose time picking it up to move left to right and the odds of it getting hit right to you are slim.  Thanks and I now realize I am overthinking this for an 11 year old.  I just grew up always learing the foundation on which to build on in playing ball.  Thanks again I am very impressed at the response time.

Answer
David,
I also agree, if playing shortstop and you glove is touching the ground you may have to come up before going left or right, which may make to reduced range.  A good position to be in would be similar to a runner in his lead before stealing a base.  They are not to high and not to low, but ready to move quick.  It all comes down to being relaxed and being able to make the plays.

Thank You,
John Priest