Two Hands or One Hand?

Two Hands or One Hand

When a player first starts playing ball they are always taught to use "two hands". The same was being taught all through little league, high school, and even some colleges. Today as parents, you are sharing those same words and techniques with your children and coaches are sharing the same method with their players, but are we sharing the right information?

Catching with two hands is the right thing to do in certain situations and so is catching with one hand at times. So, when is it time to use one hand and when is it time to use two hands?

Ground Balls

Question: When we catch a ground ball shouldn't we use two hands to make the transition to the throwing hand faster?

Answer: Yes, when catching a ground ball that is coming toward you (or within the players range) and your feet are in the set position to field the ball you should use two hands. However, whenever you are on the move (forehand or backhand) side you need to use one hand in order to keep balance. This creates a "softness" in your hands and the ability to reach to your fullest potential. Using two hands on a forehand or backhand restricts movement and hands become "hard" or stiff. At this point, it all becomes about your feet and not your hands. Proper footwork will allow you to operate with much softer and less restrictive hands.

Fly Balls

Question: What about when catching a fly ball?

Answer: The same concept holds true for outfielders or anyone catching a fly ball. When you are sitting under a fly ball, you should catch with two hands but when you are on the move one hand is the only way.

First Baseman

Question: Many coaches tell their first baseman to use two hands. Is this correct?

Answer: Besides catcher, this is the position that you use one hand the most. This position is about many things, but the most important is to catch the ball. Try reaching straight up over your head as if you were catching a high throw (with one hand). It is much more comfortable than it is doing the same movement with two hands. When using two hands in this manner (overhead) you are creating tension throughout your shoulders and back. That tension will cause what we call hard hands and take away your flexibility and lower your chances of making the play. Whenever you have to stretch as a first baseman use one hand, when the throw is inside your body frame use two hands.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line here is that when the ball is inside your body frame use two hands. Anytime the ball is outside your frame remember you need to stay soft so use one hand.

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Two Hands or One Hand When a player first starts playing ball they are always taught to use "two hands". The same was being taught all through little league, high school, and even some colleges. Today as parents, you are sharing those same words and techniques with your children and coaches are sharing the same method with their players, but are we sharing the right information? Catching with two hands is the right thing to do in certain situations and so is catching with one hand at times. So, when is it time to use one hand and when is it time to use two hands? Ground Balls Question: When we catch a ground ball shouldn't we use two hands to make the transition to the throwing hand faster? Answer: Yes, when catching a ground ball that is coming toward you (or within the players range) and your feet are in the set position to field the ball you should use two hands. However, whenever you are on the move (forehand or backhand) side you need to use one hand in order to keep balance. This creates a "softness" in your hands and the ability to reach to your fullest potential. Using two hands on a forehand or backhand restricts movement and hands become "hard" or stiff. At this point, it all becomes about your feet and not your hands. Proper footwork will allow you to operate with much softer and less restrictive hands. Fly Balls Question: What about when catching a fly ball? Answer: The same concept holds true for outfielders or anyone catching a fly ball. When you are sitting under a fly ball, you should catch with two hands but when you are on the move one hand is the only way. First Baseman Question: Many coaches tell their first baseman to use two hands. Is this correct? Answer: Besides catcher, this is the position that you use one hand the most. This position is about many things, but the most important is to catch the ball. Try reaching straight up over your head as if you were catching a high throw (with one hand). It is much more comfortable than it is doing the same movement with two hands. When using two hands in this manner (overhead) you are creating tension throughout your shoulders and back. That tension will cause what we call hard hands and take away your flexibility and lower your chances of making the play. Whenever you have to stretch as a first baseman use one hand, when the throw is inside your body frame use two hands. The Bottom Line The bottom line here is that when the ball is inside your body frame use two hands. Anytime the ball is outside your frame remember you need to stay soft so use one hand.