In the past I've written about catching as being a one-handed position. That idea also extends to playing first base.
The reason is the same. There's a lot of reaching at first base. And it's easier to reach farther when you're only using one hand.
Sure, if the ball is coming right to your chest a two-handed catch is fine. But for nearly anything else -- especially balls in the dirt -- going with one hand makes far more sense. That's the reason for the design of first basemans' mitts. The ball is supposed to nestle itself in the pocket without the benefit of a second hand helping out.
If you're a first baseman, or working with a first baseman, have her practice catching with one hand. And if you're a coach of a team, for goodness' sakes quit yelling at your first baseman to use two hands. She'll snag a lot more balls with one, and you'll win a lot more games.
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The reason is the same. There's a lot of reaching at first base. And it's easier to reach farther when you're only using one hand.
Sure, if the ball is coming right to your chest a two-handed catch is fine. But for nearly anything else -- especially balls in the dirt -- going with one hand makes far more sense. That's the reason for the design of first basemans' mitts. The ball is supposed to nestle itself in the pocket without the benefit of a second hand helping out.
If you're a first baseman, or working with a first baseman, have her practice catching with one hand. And if you're a coach of a team, for goodness' sakes quit yelling at your first baseman to use two hands. She'll snag a lot more balls with one, and you'll win a lot more games.
More...