Catching Drill: Bare-Handed Catch (Baseball & Softball)

A tracking drill for young catchers. A partner underhands the ball from about five feet and the catcher catches it bare-handed, watching it all the way in.

Bare-Handed Catch - Video Demonstration

How to Run This Drill

  1. Partner stands about five feet in front of the catcher
  2. Partner underhands the ball to the catcher
  3. Catcher catches it bare-handed, tracking the ball all the way into the hand
  4. For a check on tracking, mark each side of the ball with a colored dot
  5. After each catch, the catcher calls out the color of the dot they saw

Coaching Points

  • Young catchers often look away before the ball arrives and catch it in the wrong spot
  • Calling the dot color proves the catcher actually watched the ball
  • Receiving mechanics come later; they only work if the catcher watches the ball all the way

Quick Actions

At a Glance

Categories
Catching
Focus Areas
ReceivingTracking8u
Age Groups
7-89-10
Players
1-6 players
Difficulty
beginner

Equipment Needed

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