The high pop up behind the catcher is one of the hardest plays in softball to make. The catcher has to get to her feet, remove the mask, find the ball, determine where it will come down and then catch it. This is all done in about 3 - 5 seconds, so no wonder many catchers do not make the play.

Here is a tip that might at least help you have a better chance at making the play.

When a fast pitch, whether it is softball or baseball, is popped up over the catcher, the ball is always rotating in the same direction. Since the pop up occurs because the bat has hit the bottom half of the ball and forced it upward, the ball will always be rotating with the bottom moving toward the pitcher. This will almost always cause the ball to make a move back toward the pitcher when it reaches its apex.

In other words, when the ball nears it's peak, it will react like a curve ball that is spinning and it will move away from the backstop and toward the pitcher. So... when you locate the ball and it appears to be at a point close to its peak, "step back" a couple of steps toward the pitcher and wait for it to come down. In almost every case you will find that it has moved right over your head and you can them make the play. Additionally, coaches should always teach their players to turn around so that their back is facing the field. Finally, they should be taught to locate the ball first and then toss their mask off to the side so as not to trip over it.

This tip was contributed by Coach Ken O'Shields.