#273 - How to Catch a Baseball

How to Catch a Baseball

Steps

-Get a glove that fits you perfectly and has enough padding for your protection.

-Watch the ball from the time it leaves the throwers hand till the time it gets to your glove.

-Move your glove to a position where the ball would land safely into the pocket.

-Close your hand when catching the ball so you do not drop it. This will also make a loud popping noise so that it sounds like he (thrower) can throw very hard.

-If the ball is high in the air (pop up) move under the ball and catch it with the glove above your head. This gives you the advantage of not taking your eye off of the baseball, as you would have to do if you caught it at your waist.

-Bring your throwing hand into the glove as you catch it for a quick take out and release.

Tips

-Break in your glove.

-If the ball is thrown slow enough and to the side of you, slide over and catch the ball in the middle of your chest. This way you do not have to take your eye off of the baseball.

-If the ball is going to hit you or pass by you on the opposite side of your body that has the glove, catch the ball with the thumb part of the glove down.

-If the ball is going to go to your glove side, make the catch with the thumb part of the glove up. Trying to catch all throws thumbs up is a common mistake made by those who are new to the game.

-If the ball curves in mid-flight and it requires you to change your Thumbs up or Thumbs down glove position, it will be easier if the ball is thrown high. If thrown low, or in the dirt, you will need to flip your glove in a hurry, (rotate your wrist).

-Always make sure to put your throwing hand in the glove to make sure it stays in the glove.

excerpt from: wikihow.com