video of teaching a 5yo to catch

[Amy in AZ.]

I am using a crocheted 12 inch ball, that I had someone make for me. It is slightly weighted with rice. I did not want my GDD to add any audio to this, but I tried 5 times to get her to be quiet - w/o success. We do this about every other day and she still can't catch. She can hit and throw, though.

[video]https://youtu.be/0v6kcNqa8Jk[/video]

 

[AndyS]

That is completely and totally awesome. Great idea for a ball and I love how she verbalizes not being afraid of the ball. Very cool!

 

[Bubrox]

Nice video! I started my youngest at 4. Threw everything to glove side for 2 weeks and then switched to "crossover" for 2 weeks. Once she got those down we went to straight on. (Hardest to catch for young ones IMO) Started with a wiffle ball and then graduated to a 10u ball. By age 5 she could catch everything.

 

[quincy]

She was 1 for 3, better than my DD playing 1st.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

One thing, with even a beginning 8yo, is that they want to back away. That is why I put GDD in front of the garage door. I try to tell them, "I am throwing to your glove. You are more likely to get hit, by moving."

And I use a larger ball for catching. They can't throw it as well as a smaller ball, though.

Having her field a ground ball, is still difficult.

 

[quincy]

What about throwing at her face? I bet she will get her hands on it.

 

[JJsqueeze]

She is catching great, makes me want a third daughter to teach the game to, I am bound to do a better job if I get one more chance....I love how she already knows how to re-enforce a mental cue "don't be afraid of the ball, it won't hurt you".....I think she is ready for this..http://www.discussfastpitch.com/southwest-west-coast-region/23287-texas-warriors-looking-08-players.html

 

[Amy in AZ.]

I also have every piece of safety equipment imaginable, but sometimes we just want to play - w/o taking 10 minutes putting on shin guards, heart guard, and face mask.

 

[coach james]

I liked the part when she said to let it hit your face... lol
too cute.

 

[guero_gordo]

Totes adorbs. ;-)