Tricks to Catching a Softball With Your Glove

Catching a softball can be quite tricky. There are some subtle differences between a softball glove and a baseball glove--the softball glove has a slightly bigger pocket--but the two gloves work in the same way. The operator must snap the glove shut when the ball comes in it. However, there are a few tricks the softball player can do to make sure the ball stays in the glove instead of bouncing out on to the field.

  1. Two hands

    • This is one of the most basic lessons of baseball and softball. Use your throwing hand to assure that the ball does not bounce out of your glove. When the ball hits the middle of your glove, use your bare hand to keep it in place. A softball is much larger than a baseball and if you don't catch it in the middle of the glove, the chances are it can rattle around in the glove and fall out. Putting your bare hand over the ball will keep you from dropping it.

    The Web

    • Catching the ball in the webbing of your glove is much more preferable for the softball player than it is for the baseball player. That's because the webbing of the glove is a bigger area than the pocket and it is easier to take firm control of the ball when it is sitting in the web. It is also easier for you to get the ball out of your glove when it is in the webbing and throw it. You don't have to reach as far for the ball and it's easier to get it into a throwing position.

    Eyes on the Ball

    • Many softball and baseball players get caught up in the moment of the game and get ahead of themselves when the ball is hit to them. For example, when there's a runner on second base and there's a base hit to right field, the right fielder might be thinking about making the perfect throw home to cut down the runner attempting to score. That's a great goal, but the first thing the right fielder must do is catch the ball. The right fielder must keep her eyes on the ball from the time it is pitched until the ball is in her glove. She must catch it before throwing it if she is going to have any chance to make the play. The vision must be focused on the ball.