fielding pop flys and grounders

[starsnuffer]

Don't put the hand over the top of the mitt, put it halfway between the mitt and the face (alligator position). If you put the hands together, there is a much higher chance that the ball will take a bad hop over both hands and still contact the face. Having the hand halfway means the kid only has to move the throwing hand an inch or two in any direction to completely protect the face.

-W

 

[Momo'sDad]

Our local HS coach teaches pinky-to-pinky, but I suggest having the hand somewhere between glove and face. There is no single set way for my team, because the optimum position for one player won't be the same as another. As long as they're safe and making the play, then they're doing what they're supposed to be.

 

[SBFAMILY]

Softballskills.com | Softball Skills Clinic - Softball Skills Video We now longer teach the alligator postion. We follow Kobata's advice on speed on how fast you get the ball out of the glove. Here is a site with all kind of drills . Fastpitch Softball Tips & Drills for Coaches & Players | eteamz

Enjoy.

 

[KevinC]

If the problem is fear of the ball you might want to get her a fielders mask (Rip-It, Game Face, etc.). In can help with confidence in addition to protecting their face if they actually get hit.