Expert: John McInnis - 9/22/2006

Question
Do you have any basic instructions and drills to teach a t-ball infielder to catch thrown balls and soft pop-ups?

Thanks,
Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

you could try practices with small bean bags that resemble baseballs.  They are easy to throw and they don't bounce out of the glove.  

The biggest problem is getting the kids to work the glove.  With a bean bag (or baseball equivalent), there is no bounce within the glove. This gives the child a chance to feel the 'ball' and close in on it with the glove.
Nerf balls and wiffle balls have a bounce.  Eliminate that bounce and your kids learn more easily.

Here is a website that is just for T-ball coaches:

http://www.t-ballcoaching.com/tips.htm

Regards,

JohnMc