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.

How to Run This Drill
- Partner stands about five feet in front of the catcher
- Partner underhands the ball to the catcher
- Catcher catches it bare-handed, tracking the ball all the way into the hand
- For a check on tracking, mark each side of the ball with a colored dot
- 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
Equipment Needed
Similar Drills You Might Like
Explore more drills to build your practice plan and develop well-rounded skills

All Together Receiving
Comprehensive catching drill focusing on receiving all pitch types and locations, emphasizing soft hands, framing, and proper stance.

The Box
A fielder starts on a centre cone and chases shallow pop-ups thrown to any of four corners. Three reps each, scored on catches, so the route has to be right from a standing start.

Basic Receiving
Foundational catching drill using tennis balls and no glove to develop soft hands and proper receiving technique.
Add This Drill to Your Practice Plan
Build a complete, timed practice in the Practice Planner. Premium members can add this drill and 230+ others; drag and drop to set timing and order.
Try the Practice PlannerFree forever - No account required