Also, there are one or two sighted spotters positioned in the outfield, one on either side of the field. When a ball is hit, a spotter will instantly call out the number indicating the general direction the ball is traveling. The players coordinate their defensive moves according to the number that is called. The players can verbally communicate with each other and frequently do. But, if a spotter says more than the allowed number, the batter is awarded a run.
All good teams have spotters with the ability to give out quick and accurate number calls.
A defensive player does not have to throw the ball to another player to record an out. Outs are earned by fielding the ball before the runner reaches the base. In the umpire's opinion, the fielder must have the ball in hand and off the ground to constitute possession. Players do not snatch balls out of the air. Many attempts have been made to catch an air ball, but in the N.B.B.A.'s history, there has been only four documented cases of a hit ball being caught in the air.