DON'T Catch with 2 Hands

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 and even 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 with 2 hands has some great advantages such as making it much faster to throw a ball after a catch because the throwing hand is closer to the ball as well as making it easier to keep a crazy spinning groundball or flyball in your glove by covering it with your bare hand.

But there are some advantages to fielding a ball with only 1 hand and while this might go against the standard softball grain, let's take a look at 2 main examples when Catching with One Hand might be preferred:

1. When Reaching is Necessary
   • This commonly happens with players reaching over or into a fence for a flyball (as shown in Figure 1). This can be infielders, outfielders or catchers.
   • Or players that are reaching as they dive for a ball (Figure 1). This can be infielders or outfielders.
   • Or when 1st basemen have to reach, or stretch, for a ball. While this isn't the case on every ball thrown to the 1st basemen it is the case whenever the 1st baseman has to reach or stretch for a ball on a close play (as in Figure 1)



2. When Protection is Necessary
   • Catchers are the one position where protecting their bare hand becomes 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.

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 certainly a safety issue.

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

• The Ultimate Softball Practice Guide
• 50 Infield Drills Manual
• Outfield Drills Manual
• Team Drills Manual
• The Fundamentals of Playing Outfield DVD
• The Fundamentals of Catching DVD
• Fielding eDrills
• Fielding Level 1 eSkill
• Catching Level 1 eSkill