gator vs. thumb to thumb

"They field on the run, throw on the run, and just might have a tendancy to catch grounders with an open, upturned palm. However, I have not seen a kid able to do it that well."

That's how I taught my son to field. They must judge the ball to catch it in front of them on the run with the feet positioned properly to smoothly dip, field the ball, transfer the ball to the throwing hand as they step forward(with absolutely NO crow hop or extra step in the infield)or plant their foot on a backhand catch and make the throw all in one smooth fast motion. It takes a lot of practice to learn how to do the footwork without even thinking about it but it is well worth it in the long run.

I have never heard a coach before tell a kid to field the ball underneath him. There is just no time to do that when throwing out a fast runner from ss. Maybe it's the new thing...I'll keep an open mind about it but I won't change my son or teach anyone else to field that way until I hear more reasons from coaches at higher levels teaching it that way.

Kathy