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How to Catch Pop-ups as a Catcher

Contributor
By Steve Silverman
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Nothing looks easier than watching a catcher throw off his mask and catch a foul pop up. Looks can be deceiving. It may look simple on television or from the stands, but it is actually one of the more difficult plays to make. Not only must the catcher pick up the ball once the batter has hit it, but he must be aware of the backspin that will propel the ball back toward the field of play.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Take off your mask as soon as you realize the batter has hit a foul pop up. Don't do anything with that mask until you find the ball in the sky and plan out your path to catch it. If the ball is within 10 to 15 feet of home plate, get to that spot on the field and camp under the ball. Then throw your mask about 10 to 12 feet to the side. The reason you hold on to the mask until you have made your way to the ball is that you don't want to trip over it.

  2. Step 2

    Take two steps back to the infield once the ball has started to descend. That's because the foul pop up is hit with backspin and will tend to go back toward home plate. Since you have already taken two steps back, the ball will come directly at you.

  3. Step 3

    Catch the ball over your head and use two hands. Nearly all catchers use just one hand when they receive pitches. But catching a pop up or making any play in the field is different than catchting a pitch. In the case of the foul pop up, the backspin on the ball will give it the tendency to bounce right out of the catcher's glove unless you use your bare hand to keep it in its place.

  4. Step 4

    Do not stab at the ball when catching foul pop ups. Have patience and let the ball come to you. Hold the glove at a slight angle but make sure your fingers are slanted upward. Stabbing at the ball will almost certainly result in a dropped pop up.

Tips & Warnings
  • Have your coach work with you on catching pop ups. It may be difficult to simulate a foul pop up when conducting infield practice, but the catcher can still go about his business the correct way. Work on turning your back to the infield, finding the ball and closing the deal by catching it with two hands.
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