How to Field a Ground Hit Softball

Fielding a ground hit softball can be a bit trickier than pulling off the same trick with a baseball. For those of you not aware of the difference between a baseball and a softball, the latter is far larger and more apt to take a weird bounce. There may be no such thing as the perfect form for catching an infield softball hit to the ground, but it certainly does not hurt to learn the fundamentals. The fact is that a hard hit softball can take one of those weird bounces and leave an unprepared fielder lying flat in the dirt with a growing bruise on their face, shoulder, or elbow.

To field a ground softball for a quick throw to catch a base runner, the answer can be found in timing and judgment. Balance and alertness can come into play as well. Let's say the bounce is going to lift that softball above the player's waist. You want to position your fielder's glove with the tips of the fingers close to God than the heel of your palm. Some fancy players may try to catch the ball with the glove sideways and that's fine for an experienced player because it allows the wrist to pivot quicker for grabbing the ball and tossing it to first or third. Inexperienced softball players should go for a bounced ball that's above the waistline, sunshine, by keeping the glove up. If the softball manages to bounce right at your waistline the way you snag the ball depends mainly upon whether you are catching the softball on its way up or down from the bounce.

Let me make this clearer. Let's say the softball takes a bounce and you get there just as the ball is on its way down and hitting you around the waist, then your fingertips should be pointing away from the sky. Keep the fingertips down to catch a softball coming down from a bounce. If you are catching it on the rise then apply the same procedure for a ball that is aiming at your neck: fingers up.

Now let's say you are running full speed to meet a ball heading your way. The runner from third is breaking for home, but you know you can throw the gazelle out if only you can meet the ball on the fly. If your glove is located on your left hand then your left foot should ideally be place in front as you scoop up the ball. Reverse this situation if you a southpaw with that leather glove on your right. Don't look at the runner; you know where he's heading so why bother. Keep your eyes on the prize and never take your focus away from the ball. You know how softballs love to bounce slightly to the right after nicking a pebble or divot in the dirt.

If you are standing still and waiting for the ball to arrive, place your feet squarely apart. This will allow you to make a quick movement to time the ball if it does bounce unexpectedly. If the ball takes a really weird bounce and comes in low, rather than trying to catch it on the bounce, use your body to block it and knock it down.