This post is for all the catchers and more importantly is about catching a pop up. I have sure you have seen this messed up, a ball goes up, a kid bust back to the fence only to dive back toward the field.
Proper steps to take when the ball goes up. I am going to assume you know where the ball is. When the ball goes up you should immediately turn your back to the field and face the backstop. At this point in time you should relax and not run to the ball because you must remember these balls have serious backspin which carry them back toward the field thus the reason many players overrun the ball. Take your mask off but do not throw it yet because you are not quite sure where the ball will take you. As the ball begins to come down and you are comfortable with your position throw your mask away from you and prepare to catch it. Remember to use two hands, and if nobody is on throw it around the horn, meaning you will throw it to the third baseman.
