: Skills & Drills: Defense

Catching
Players’ will need to learn to catch a thrown ball, a fly ball, and grounders. Younger or inexperience players will tend to be afraid of the ball, which usually results in a missed ball or a bonk on the head, chest, etc… For these players, the use of safety balls will help them gain confidence in their catching abilities without risk of injury. This can be a major hurdle for many players and seeing them conquer this fear will be a satisfying accomplishment for you and the player.

Every player, with the exception of the catcher, should follow these guidelines for effective catching.

1. Keep your eyes on the ball.
2. Always be in a ready position when the ball is batted or thrown.
3. Think. What am I going to do if the ball comes to me?
4. Concentrate on getting to the ball first, then make the catch.
5. Keep the arms relaxed and both hands ready.
6. Keep the elbows flexed to help absorb the impact of the ball.
7. Watch the ball all the way into the glove
8. Use both hands. Players should use the throwing hand to help ‘cage’ the ball in the glove, and then to get the ball out of the glove quickly for the throw.

Be Ready: The ready position serves to get the player in position to move quickly to get to the ball. It is also should serve as a moment to think about the upcoming batter and play the "If the ball comes to me, I am going to…" drill in their head.

• The feet should be slightly wider than the shoulders.
• Knees should be bent.
• The player should be bent at the waist to move their weight over the balls of their feet.
• The arms are between or on the knees.