How to Make a Baseball Diving Catch

In baseball, few plays electrify the crowd quite like a diving catch. At a minimum, the catches prevent hits and many times, a diving grab will keep the opponent from scoring a run. Generally, the catches are made by outfielders, but on occasion, an infielder will get a chance to make a diving catch of a line drive. Mastering the diving catch can take time, but learning the skill can provide a valuable asset to your baseball team.

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball glove
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Instructions

    • 1

      Read the ball off the bat. Break toward the area in which the ball will be landing, keeping your eye on the ball at all times.

    • 2
      Your body should stay parallel to the ground when diving for a ball.

      Extend both arms outward and lunge at the ball, allowing your feet to leave the ground. Try to keep your body parallel to the ground.

    • 3

      Keep your glove in the proper position. If the ball is on your glove-hand side, keep the glove in basket position with the web of the glove pointing down. If the ball is on your throwing-hand side, keep the glove in the backhand position with the web pointing the direction you are running.

    • 4
      Keep your eye on the ball all the way into your glove.

      Watch the ball into your glove, and clasp the mitt around the ball, securing the catch.

    • 5

      Finish the catch by keeping both arms extended and sliding to a stop.