Whether you never learned to catch a ball or you're ready to teach your child how to catch one, the process is the same. Practice makes perfect and you might need an extra dose of patience while learning, but catching a ball can help improve hand-eye coordination and balance, as well as creating proficiency in a variety of sports, like baseball, basketball and football.
Step 1
Begin training with a large object, like a balloon, suggests PBS Teachers. Since a balloon is harmless and floats, it's easier to learn to get under it to catch it. Throw the balloon into the air and attempt to catch it a few times until you feel comfortable with the motion. Then switch to a large rubber ball. Since it's still large, it's easier to catch, but it's heavier and will fall faster and help hone your reflex skills.
Step 2
Invest in a quality baseball mitt, which can help relieve some of the fear of hand pain while catching. When you begin using a small ball, start with a tennis ball. Tennis balls are generally softer and easier to catch.
Step 3
Throw the ball in the air, centering yourself under it to catch it over your head. Keep your eyes open, even if you tend to flinch when you catch the ball. When the ball lands in your glove, squeeze the mitt and trap the ball with your other hand to hold it in place, suggests The Parents League of New York.
Step 4
Enlist a partner to throw the ball back and forth. Start close together and toss a baseball back and forth, incorporating all of the skill you've learned through practice, like keeping your eyes open, trapping the ball and moving to the ball. As you feel more comfortable with the motions, move a step back, suggests Disney Family's Wonder Time website. Each five or 10 successful catches, take another step back. Adding distance to the equation will allow you to ready yourself for the ball more efficiently.
Step 5
Practice other elements of catching, like catching while moving. Have a friend toss the ball slightly offline with your body so that you have to run and catch the ball. Practice catching pop flies or catching a tennis ball barehanded. Set up time to practice a few times a week so you have ample time to become a proficient catcher.
Things You'll Need
- Balloon
- Rubber ball
- Tennis ball
- Baseball
- Baseball mitt
