Catching Drill: Basic Receiving (Baseball & Softball)
Foundational catching drill using tennis balls and no glove to develop soft hands and proper receiving technique.
How to Run This Drill
- Catcher in full gear, no glove, in catching position (home plate optional)
- Coach/partner with tennis 10 feet in front of the catcher
- Coach/partner throws the ball softly down the middle of the plate
- Catcher keeps their glove hand relaxed, with their throwing hand behind their back
- Catcher focuses on letting the ball travel to them instead of reaching out to get it, and staying soft with their hands, like they are catching an egg
- Catcher tosses each ball back to the coach/partner and partners rotate after 10 repetitions
Coaching Points
- No glove - catch with bare receiving hand
- Let the ball travel to you, don't reach
- Soft hands like catching an egg
- Feel the ball, don't stab at it
- This develops true soft hands
- Foundation for all receiving skills
Quick Actions
At a Glance
- Catcher’s Gear
- tennis-balls
- baseballs or softballs
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