Fielding grounders

Here's question that's always bothered me. I've read the books, seen the tapes and heard all kinds of different things from coaches over the years, but what's the best way to field a ground ball?

I was 1st baseman when I was young and did ok. I also played 3rd after a couple years in the outfield, but was admittedly horrible at it, being saved by nothing other than a gun to bail me out and only keeping a place in the lineup because of a bat.

I just never got the hang of catching the grounders. I'd get to them, I'd knock 'em down, but it was an occasion when one stayed in my glove. For a while I blamed it on my glove. All my folks could ever afford was one glove and it was a big 'ol outfielders glove.

But being a bit older and wiser, and having already admitted a rather weak work ethic until I got behind the plate in HS, I'm guessing that my lack of willingness to field hundreds of grounders over there didn't help either.

The only thing I can say seems to be unanimous from what I hear is that an infielder has to always be moving toward the ball when its hit on the ground. But other than that, I've heard the "circle to keep the ball on the throwing side" theory. The "keep the ball in front of you at all costs theory". The "keep the glove and butt down theory", and other theories far to numerous to remember.

Over the years, it seems to me that the pure act of catching a grounder actually depends a lot on the position. It also seems that a lot depends on what the fielder has in mind to do with the ball once he has it.

Would anyone care to comment?