Coach Candrea and Team USA work with SportSkool to teach the softball fundamentals of receiving throws.   He shows the mechanics required to make a quick efficient reception with a focus on the foundation, hand positioning, footwork, and the transition from the catch to the throw.

Key Points:

Foundation:  The foundation is the base to receive a throw.  The proper positioning is with the feet outside hips and flex in the ankles and knees.  It important to keep your feet under you so it is possible to quickly move to the left or right.

Hand Positioning: The key position for the hands is with your thumbs up, elbows down, and the throwing hand close to the receiving hand (or glove).  With the throwing hand close to the glove, it is possible to make a quick transition from receiving the throw to making a throw.

Footwork:  Proper footwork allows the receiver to catch a ball that is within arms distance by stepping to the ball. If the ball is on the throwing hand side, you step with the throwing side foot and square the shoulders by the stepping with the glove side foot toward the target.  If the ball is to the glove side, step toward the ball with the glove side foot and step behind with the throwing side foot to square the shoulders.  If the ball is directly at you, step directly forward with the throwing side foot and then square the shoulders by stepping with the glove side hand.

Transition from the Catch to the Throw:  The key to receiving a throw is to be efficient and quick.  This requires a good foundation with the hands positioned close together and quick proper footwork where you step to the ball.

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