Methods to Catch a Ground Ball

Catching a ground ball can be a tricky play to make for even the most experienced fielder. Baseballs hit hard on the ground come at you fast and test your reflexes. Baseballs hit slowly, or bunted, test how quickly a fielder can charge the ball and make an accurate throw to the correct base. Small holes and inconsistencies in the ground can cause a ball to bounce in a different direction at the last second. Players must develop different methods of catching ground balls to ensure a high fielding percentage.

  1. Stay in Front of the Ball

    • Keeping your whole body in front of a ground ball lessens the chance it will get past you. Even if the ball bounces in an unexpected direction, your legs and upper body will still have the opportunity to block it and knock it down. Although this will waste precious seconds needed to make an accurate throw to the correct base to get the runner out, it will minimize the runner's ability to take further bases.

    Keep Your Glove on the Ground

    • If there is any space between your glove and the ground, there is a very good chance the ball will roll right under your glove and between your legs. This gives the runner a chance to take extra bases and move into scoring position. By keeping your glove on the ground, you maximize not only your ability to field the ball but also the time you have to make an accurate throw to the correct base.

    Work on Your Backhand

    • Inevitably, ground balls will be hit hard and fast enough to prevent you from getting your entire body in front of the ball. If the ball is hit to the opposite side of your glove hand, you can still catch it by moving toward the ball, stretching your glove hand across your body, getting as low to the ground as possible and sticking your glove hand in front of the ball. This can be difficult to do as you are judging the speed and movement of the ball from a side perspective.

    Work on Your Forehand

    • Forehand fielding is often easier because the ball is hit to the same side as your glove hand. Though there still might not be enough time to get your entire body in front of the ball, or lower your glove all the way to the ground, you won't have to move your glove hand quite as far, which increases the time you have to judge the ball's speed and direction and make an attempt to catch it.