DON’T Catch with 2 Hands

catch one hand reaching necessary fence flyball stretching dive ball infielders outfielders catchers

In regards to catching a ball with 2 hands, there are some definite advantages: things like getting rid of the ball faster on a throw, or fielding balls with a lot of crazy spin.

But do you know the times when it’s actually better to catch with one hand?

It’s true that catching a ball with 2 hands has some great advantages. For example, throwing the ball after a catch because the throwing hand is closer to the ball, or keeping a crazy spinning groundball or flyball in your glove by covering it with your bare hand.

However, there are also some advantages to fielding a ball with only 1 hand. While this might go against the standard softball grain, let’s take a look at 2 examples where Catching with One Hand might be preferred:

  1. When Reaching is Necessary
    • Players reaching over or into a fence for a flyball (as shown in Figure 1). This can be infielders, outfielders or catchers.
    • 1st basemen reaching or stretching for a ball. While this isn’t the case on every ball thrown to 1st base, it is the case when the 1st baseman has to reach or stretch for a ball on a close play (as in Figure 1)
    • Players reaching as they dive for a ball (Figure 1). This can be infielders or outfielders.
catch one hand reaching necessary fence flyball stretching dive ball infielders outfielders catchers
  1. When Protection is Necessary
    • Catchers are the one position where protecting their bare hand is more important than using it to help catch a ball.
    • Catchers will receive, or catch, all pitched balls with one hand (Figure 2).
    • And catchers will also block all pitches using one hand (Figure 2)
    • NOTE – Some people will teach the catcher to place their barehand behind the glove when catching and/or blocking, as a means of protecting the barehand while still having it closer to the ball when having to make a throw.
catcher one hand protection necessary bare hand receive block

I don’t agree with anybody tying a player’s bare hand behind her back to help teach her to only use one hand in these certain position since doing so is a safety issue.

For more help with fielding and defense check out our resources:

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Prev
6 Keys to a Successful Tryout
tryout succeed players coach athlete athletes

6 Keys to a Successful Tryout

Is your softball player getting ready for team tryouts?

Next
How to Chart Pitches When Your Catcher Calls the Game
chart pitches coach catcher strategy practice calls game

How to Chart Pitches When Your Catcher Calls the Game

I get this question a lot – How do you chart pitches if the catcher calls

You May Also Like
Total
0
Share