How to Teach Ballplayers to Catch a Ball in One Or Two Sessions

By Jack Perconte

I've said this numerous times, but as the saying goes, "Doing something almost correct and doing it correctly is the difference between success and failure."

There is nothing more important in baseball and softball than being able to catch a ball correctly. Unfortunately, a great percentage of kids learn the wrong way or get hurt trying to catch the ball, then quit before playing much baseball. Additionally, it often takes a great amount of time for ball players to learn how to catch because they are not taught efficiently and/or correctly. If taught correctly, players have a chance to become outstanding fielders with the chance of advancing up the ladder of baseball. Additionally, by following the correct process of learning how to catch a ball, players can learn to catch in a very short time, even in as little as one or two 20 minute sessions.

A few initial suggestions: Do not teach players using a normal "hard" ball. Tennis balls or any similar softer balls will work. Also, the greater number of softer balls available, the quicker the learning process will be. Along with faster learning, more balls will promote less boredom and less wasted time picking up missed balls. At first, players should just set balls they catch to the side instead of throwing them back to the coach. If a number of balls are unavailable have the player stand in front of a backstop (i.e. wall or net) so they do not have to chase missed balls.

*Also, make sure their glove is not a cheap vinyl one and be sure it is broken in so it can squeeze easily. (Adult should use it for a time if it isn't broken in.)

Quick Learning Process

1. From close range (4 or five feet away) the coach, who is on one knee, flips balls continuously upward towards the fielders face area.
2. Players should start with elbow slightly below shoulder height, out to side of body and with glove slightly higher than elbow.
3. Balls should be flipped upward or straight with no loop on toss. Putting an arc on ball will naturally cause player to turn glove under which is incorrect for balls above the thigh level. Players will get the idea of keeping glove up and not underhanded pretty quick because it will bop them upside the head if they turn glove under - thus the reason for using a softer ball. Coach should remind players to keep elbow out to side (outside body slightly) when catching balls in face area.
4. After throws towards face and when player gets used to keeping their glove up with fingers pointing upward, the coach can start to flip balls a little right of face, left of face and then lower etc. Players will get the hang of moving glove in front of ball in this correct, glove-up manner.
5. After awhile, have the players begin with their hands down at their side before the ball is tossed to learn to raise the glove up in the correct catching manner.

A couple extra points:
* Once again, the greater number of balls will allow the coach to rapid fire balls to the learning player so in a short amount of time they will get numerous attempts to catch balls.
* Coach should point out incorrect attempts at catching balls until players begin to self-correct.
* Generally, the toughest ball for a player to learn to catch is the ball that comes just to the outside of their glove side or the ball right around waist high. On the ball outside their glove side, players should be taught to rotate their catching elbow in towards their body and push out towards ball slightly. On balls around waist high, players should be taught to bend their knees slightly so they can keep their glove in the upright manner. Reminder, all balls above thigh level should be taught with the glove fingers pointing skyward.
* Eventually, coaches can flip balls to player's knees and ankles where they will then turn the glove under as if fielding a ground ball.
* Coaches should not insist or even mention using two hands to catch balls until they are very proficient with catching with glove hand only. Two hand catching usually confuses young players. Teaching players to use two hands when catching should only come after they become adept at using the glove. Two hands is for getting rid of ball quickly and not catching it. Eventually, getting rid of ball quickly, and thus two handed catching, will become necessary, of course. Additionally, as they get more proficient coaches can begin to back up and stand up. Continuing to use softer balls for a while will allow coaches to challenge players with straight balls and not looped balls. If players revert to underhand catching on balls above the waist area, coaches can go back to initial practice drill.
* Finally, as they get the hang of catching the ball with the glove only," have players add their second hand for good throws (inside body- right at them) and one hand (glove only) for balls they reach for.
* When teaching players to use two hands, make sure they place their bare hand slightly out front of their glove when catching as opposed to behind the glove, which most players do.
Finally, teaching players to move there feet in order to get to and get in front of thrown balls is essential, and the last piece to learning to catch a ball correctly.

Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball hitting lessons advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball
Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his parenting blog can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte

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Baseball Fundamentals - Throwing & Catching

By Brian Schofield

Throwing a Baseball

It sounds so simple yet so many players do this incorrectly at a young age. In my opinion, nothing hampers a young player's love for the game more than if he can't throw the ball correctly. Fundamentally it is a very simple concept, but must be practiced correctly to be mastered. I have been blessed with having 4 girls as my children. They don't quite love baseball like I do but one thing I've tried to really teach them is how to correctly throw and catch a baseball. The first thing I tell them is that they aren't going to hurt me. To demonstrate I start with a softer ball like a wiffle ball or a tennis ball because the theory is how they throw and catch, not what they throw and catch. I want the confidence to be built up, not crushed because a hard ball smashed them in the mouth. Stand a fair distance apart, maybe 15-20 feet and have both players stand facing each other. When it is your turn to throw the ball, make absolutely sure of a couple points.

One, always step with your lead foot and aim it at the person you are throwing. Your front foot should point directly to your target. When practicing this for the first time it is ok to exaggerate the step. Second, make sure the ball is released behind or near the ear of the player throwing the ball. Young players will tend to short arm the throw by holding it too long. When they do this you will notice right away because the throw will have no life on it. A short arm throw eliminates the shoulder from being used and that completely decreases velocity on the ball. I have the players say step, plant and throw until they form a comfortable rhythm. My father was an incredible baseball coach growing up and I believe the difference was he took the time to teach us the simple concepts like throwing and catching a ball which is really what the game is all about, isn't it?

Catching a Baseball

Young players need to be shown the correct way to catch a ball as well. Don't get me wrong, some players will know from day 1 how to do both these things while others won't. Some may show all the ability but haven't been taught the correct fundamental behind it. Young players tend to do two things incorrectly when catching a baseball. One, they box it. I call it boxing the ball when everything thrown to them is met by a boxing motion with the glove always going in a downward motion no matter how low the throw is. Instead of just turning the glove over with the palm up, players will do the opposite and box it no matter where it is. Second, the opposite occurs and they try to catch everything with the palm up. I've seen more kids clocked in the head because of this than you could imagine. This is mastered only through correct repetition and practice. I encourage parents to spend 10 minutes outside showing kids how to correctly throw and catch. If it is done you will avoid the kids being made fun of or teased and they'll stick with it. I'm glad I did and I'm glad that my father took the time to play catch with me.

Brian Schofield is the Sr. writer for BigLeagueSkills.com. Check out their site for more tips on baseball fundamentals

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Schofield

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