To catch a softball, face the throw, keep your glove open and out in front, watch the ball all the way into the glove and squeeze it, covering it with your throwing hand. For balls above the waist, point your glove fingers up with the thumbs together; for balls below the waist, point the fingers down with the pinkies together. Moving your feet so your body is in front of the ball makes every catch easier and safer. Catching sounds simple, but it is the foundation of every defensive play and every throw, and good habits learned early prevent errors and injuries later. This guide covers the ready position, glove positions, step-by-step technique, drills for beginners, how to overcome fear of the ball and common mistakes.
Health note: This article is general information, not medical advice. Beginners, especially young players, can use softer training balls to build confidence safely. Face guards, which are common in youth fastpitch, can add protection. Seek medical attention after any hit to the face or head.
The ready position
- Feet about shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and weight on the balls of the feet.
- Glove open and out in front of your chest, ready to move in any direction.
- Throwing hand near the glove, ready to cover the ball.
- Eyes on the thrower’s hand, so you pick up the ball as soon as it is released.
A good ready position lets you react quickly to throws that are high, low or to the side. Standing flat-footed with the glove hanging at your side makes catching much harder.
Glove position by ball location
| Ball location | Glove position |
|---|---|
| Above the waist | Fingers up, thumbs together |
| Below the waist | Fingers down, pinkies together |
| Glove side | Reach across with the glove open toward the ball |
| Throwing-hand side | Backhand, with the thumb pointing down and the glove turned over |
| Directly at the chest | Fingers up, glove slightly to the glove side, catching in front of the body |
Turning the glove correctly for each location lets the ball enter the pocket cleanly. Trying to catch a low ball with the fingers up, for example, often leads to the ball bouncing off the heel of the glove.
Step-by-step: catching a throw
- Get into the ready position and face the thrower.
- Watch the ball leave the thrower’s hand.
- Move your feet to get your body in front of the ball.
- Reach toward the ball with the glove, catching it out in front of your body.
- Catch the ball in the pocket, between the thumb and index finger, not the tip of the web.
- Squeeze the glove and cover the ball with your throwing hand.
- Bring the ball to your throwing shoulder so you can throw quickly.
Why two hands matter
Covering the ball with the throwing hand after the catch does two things. It helps keep the ball from popping out of the glove, and it puts the throwing hand in position for a quick transfer. At higher levels, players sometimes catch one-handed when reaching for difficult throws, but for beginners and on routine throws, two hands are the reliable choice.
Soft hands
Coaches often talk about soft hands, which means letting the glove give slightly as the ball arrives rather than holding it rigid. A stiff glove can cause the ball to bounce out, while soft hands absorb the impact and help the ball settle into the pocket. Think of catching an egg without breaking it: the glove moves back a little with the ball. This skill is especially important for infielders fielding hard throws and for first basemen receiving throws from across the diamond. Practicing with a softer ball and focusing on the feel of the catch helps develop soft hands.
Choosing and breaking in a glove
The right glove makes catching easier. Beginners often do best with a glove that is not too large, since an oversized glove is harder to control. Fastpitch gloves are designed for the larger softball and often have deeper pockets than baseball gloves. Many youth players use gloves around 10 to 12 inches, while older players and outfielders may use larger gloves; position and personal preference also matter. A new glove should be broken in by playing catch regularly and working the pocket so it closes easily. A stiff glove that does not close makes catching harder, especially for young players.
Overcoming fear of the ball
Many beginners are nervous about catching, especially when the ball comes toward their face. This is normal. Building confidence gradually helps. Start with softer balls, such as foam or reduced-impact training balls, and short, gentle throws. Practice catching at the chest before moving to higher and lower throws. Wearing a face guard can help younger players feel safer. Praise effort and focus on watching the ball into the glove, which is the key to both confidence and success.
Beginner drills
- Soft toss with a softer ball: Builds confidence without fear.
- Knee catches: Players kneel facing each other and play catch, focusing on glove position and watching the ball.
- Glove position drill: A partner tosses balls to different locations, and the catcher calls out thumbs or pinkies before catching.
- Quick transfer drill: Catch and immediately bring the ball to the throwing shoulder.
- Footwork drill: A partner throws slightly to each side so the catcher practices moving their feet.
- Fly ball basics: Short, high tosses teach tracking and catching above the head.
Catching fly balls
Catching fly balls uses the same principles but adds tracking. Move so the ball comes down in front of your throwing shoulder, then catch with the fingers up and two hands. Avoid running with your glove held up; run naturally and raise the glove at the last moment. Call for the ball loudly and early, and listen for teammates. For beginners, start with short, high tosses before progressing to longer fly balls.
Practice routines at home
Players can improve catching skills at home with simple routines. Playing catch with a family member for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week builds consistency. Throwing a tennis ball against a wall and catching the rebound improves hand-eye coordination and reaction time, and it can be done alone. Tracking and catching a ball tossed upward develops fly-ball skills. Keep sessions short and focused, and gradually increase distance and speed as confidence grows.
Common mistakes
- Taking the eyes off the ball just before it arrives.
- Catching with the wrong glove position, fingers up on low balls.
- Stabbing at the ball instead of letting it come into the glove.
- Catching in the web tip rather than the pocket.
- Not moving the feet and reaching instead.
- Forgetting to cover the ball with the throwing hand.
- Using an oversized glove that is hard to control.
Frequently asked questions
How do you catch a softball for beginners?
Face the throw, keep your glove open and in front, watch the ball into the glove and cover it with your throwing hand.
When should glove fingers point up or down?
Fingers up with thumbs together for balls above the waist, fingers down with pinkies together for balls below the waist.
How can a child get over fear of the ball?
Start with softer balls and short, gentle throws, use a face guard if helpful and build up gradually with plenty of encouragement.
