All coaches insist on players catching the ball with two (2) hands. Generally this is the correct thing to do but there are times when it is better to catch the ball with one hand rather than two. Two of the greatest catches in MLB history, Sand Amoros (1955 W.S) and Al Gionfriddo (W.S.), were one-handed.

One-Hand Plays:

• Any play that will require a greater reach or range to get to a ball.
• Catches at first base – to increase reach on close plays or get to errant throws.
• Ground balls to a player’s left or backhand.
• Slow Rollers.
• Catching alls in a run down.
• Fly balls you must “run” down left or right or “layout”/dive for. (Jim Edmond’s specialty.)
• Tag plays.
• Reaching over the fence or into the stands to get a ball.

Two Hand Catches: (The catch by Willie Mays in ’54 was two-handed.)

• All regulation or routine ground balls or fly balls.
• Receiving the ball on a double play pivot.
• A fly ball with a runner “tagging up” to advance.
• Receiving a ball as a cut off/relay man.
• A catcher on almost every play.

Note: A bare-handed play is sometimes necessary on slow rollers, bang-bang plays, and on “miracle plays.” Best examples: Omar Visquel to save Bosio’s no-hitter and Kevin Mitchell’s catch in foul territory.

Work on all types of catches and use TWO HANDS unless otherwise necessary.

Drills can be as simple as throwing the ball against the wall, throwing flies to yourself, taking fungo balls, or throwing the all at various angles against the SwingAway pitch back net.