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Catching · Drill 06

Pop Fly Basics

5–7 min station
Teaches

Catching a high ball coming out of the sky, by moving her feet first to get under it, then reaching up with two hands.

Bring ● Soft ball ● Glove ● Open space above you
Setup
  • Open grassy space with nothing overhead.
  • Helper stands 6 feet away with the ball.
  • Player starts ready with glove and bare hand both up near her ears.
How it works
  1. Toss the ball straight up about 10–12 feet high, just above her head.
  2. She tracks the ball with her eyes and steps UNDER it — not reaching forward.
  3. Glove reaches up with the bare hand right behind it, two hands together.
  4. She catches it above her forehead, not behind her head.
  5. Five reps here, then move 1 step further each round so she learns to move her feet.
Watch for
  • Feet move to get under the ball before her arms reach.
  • Both hands go up together — glove doesn’t reach alone.
  • She catches it in front of her face, not over her head, so she can see it into the glove.
What to say
Move your feet first.
Two hands over your forehead.
Look it right into the glove.
Yes — perfect spot!
High-five moments
  • She calls “mine!” before catching it.
  • Feet move before arms do.
  • Clean two-handed catch on a pop she had to move for.
Make it easier

Toss lower — a high “rainbow” toss is easier than a straight-up popup. Build confidence with the arc first.

Level it up

Toss slightly left or right of her so she has to read the ball and move three or four steps to get under it.

★
Key cue
“Feet first, hands second.”