Starting with a good stance will ensure you’re set to react to the ball. Remember to keep your eyes on the ball at all times.
Use your hands to create the largest possible surface area to catch the ball. Keep your hands relaxed and soft, as the ball is more likely to bounce off of stiff hands. [3] X Research source
Keeping your hands relatively close to your body will help you avoid dropping the ball. Additionally, you’re more likely to suffer an injury if you try to catch a high-speed ball with outstretched arms.
For example, if a ball is heading toward your right side, bring your left arm across your chest, and cup your hands on your right side so they line up with the ball. Your fingers should be spread out and point toward your right side, your thumbs should point up and down, and your palms should face up and out so they’re ready to receive the ball. As you catch the ball from the side, remember to bring your hands into your torso to absorb the impact and maintain control.
Remember to keep your hands relaxed when they’re cupped. The ball will bounce off if they’re stiff. [7] X Research source A reverse cup is the best way to make a high catch, but there will be some instances where you’ll have to use an orthodox cup. For example, if you have to make a high catch on the run, you might not have time to get set in the reverse cup position.
Calling out as you approach the ball helps avoid confusion on the field. You wouldn’t want to bump into another fielder and drop the ball.
The ball’s momentum might take it toward either your right or left side but, if possible, draw it in on your dominant side. That way, you’ll be set to make a throw with your dominant hand. Be sure to draw the ball and your hands into your body in order to maintain control. Don’t stretch your arms out, drop your hands, or bend over as you catch. [10] X Research source
The lower you catch the ball, the more likely you are to drop it. As you catch the ball, remember to watch it all the way in, and draw it toward your body to maintain control.
Attacking the ball keeps pressure on the offensive team. If you wait on the ball, the play will take too long, and you’ll give the other team more time to score.
Fielding a speeding ground ball occurs in a split second, so your movements need to be fluid and continuous.
If you’re right-handed, your right foot should be flat on the ground, your right knee should be bent at a 90-degree angle, and your right knee and right toes should be aligned toward your right side. Your left knee should be on the ground aligned with your right heel, so your right foot and lower left leg form a long barrier perpendicular to the ball. The long barrier is the basic technique used to field ground balls.
Remember that fielding a ground ball involves quick, fluid maneuvers. You’ll run to the ball, drop into a long barrier, and catch the ball in just 1 or 2 seconds. In case you don’t cleanly catch the ground ball, you’ll still be able to stop it by having your legs in the long barrier position.
Then catch the ball with your left hand as they catch the one you threw with their right hand. Simultaneously, throw the ball in your left hand as they throw the ball in their right hand. Throw each ball back and forth 10 times to complete 1 set.
Do 10 catches each at high, chest, and ground levels to complete 1 drill.
You can also try throwing the ball up high in the air, then set up a reverse cup catch or make a running orthodox catch.
