Before a kid can use a glove, they need to know that a ball rolling at them is something they can stop with their hands. The glove gets in the way of that lesson. Skip it for now.
What you need: 5 tennis balls or soft baseballs. A patch of grass.
Setup: Kneel about 6 feet from your kid. They stand facing you, feet apart, hands out in front with the palms up.
How to run it:
- Roll a slow ground ball straight at their feet.
- They reach down with both hands and stop the ball, then toss it back to you.
- Roll the next one as soon as the ball is back in your hand. Don’t stop to coach.
- After 10 rolls, ask them to take one step back. Do 10 more.
- Last round: switch. They roll, you field. Let them see what it looks like done right.
What to watch: Are they using both hands? At this age, lots of kids stab with one hand. Two hands is the only thing you’re teaching today.
If they’re struggling: Move closer. Roll slower. Use a softer ball.
If they’ve got it: Move back to 10 feet. Roll a little harder. Aim slightly to one side so they have to step before they reach.