Teaching a younger, inexperienced person to catch a baseball with a glove involves a gradual progression to build confidence, improve hand-eye coordination, and instill the basic mechanics of catching. The process can be broken down into several key steps, each designed to introduce the fundamentals of catching in a safe, approachable manner.

The initial phase should start with barehanded catches to familiarize the learner with the sensation and timing of catching. Begin with softer, less intimidating balls, such as tennis balls, to reduce fear of injury. Encourage the learner to watch the ball all the way into their hands, emphasizing the importance of keeping their eye on the ball until it is securely caught. The ball and the player's hands should be visible at all times. Players can start by catching the ball with both hands and progressing to one hand after a few attempts. A common flaw is a player reaching too much to swat at the ball (called boxing the ball) instead of receiving it (catching the ball like an egg). Below is a video made for the Rally Cap Program for a drill named Catching the Ball like an Egg.
 

As confidence and skill build, introduce the glove, but initially use it more as a shield rather than for catching. This step helps the learner get accustomed to the weight and feel of the glove on their hand. Practice with wiffle balls or soft rubber baseballs, which are safer and less daunting than hard baseballs. The player should focus on using the glove to block the ball with their fingers pointing upwards, gradually getting comfortable with the idea of the glove as an extension of their hand. To avoid the player swatting the ball with their glove, encourage them to try and make the ball land near their feet. If they're boxing the ball instead of receiving it, the ball will scatter away from them.

The next progression is self-toss so that the player can work on closing their glove on the ball. Note: players will have gloves of various sizes and some may not be able to close their glove. The initial toss doesn't have to be high or far and should simulate juggling a ball from the throwing hand to the glove hand. For beginners catching the ball in the glove and immediately squeezing the glove shut upon impact should become a reflexive part of the process. Show the players different variations of self toss, including direct throws, lobbed throws, from side to side and in front of them.

Finally, introduce the concept of catching the ball on the opposite shoulder, which is a more advanced technique that aids in making catches that are not directly at the player. This involves reaching across the body to catch the ball, ensuring that the glove is the first point of contact. Initially the coach should again use tennis balls or wiffle balls until the initial fear of catching a baseball is overcome. For parents working at home, a rolled up ball of socks works just as well. Players can once again use two hands to start but should progress to one handed catches.

Throughout these progressions, it's important to maintain a positive, encouraging atmosphere, celebrating successes, and providing constructive feedback on areas for improvement. Consider adding games such as hot potato or counting the amount of times a player completes the drill and then trying to beat it on the next round. Another great variation is to have players catch the baseball on the run or while moving.

To help explore how to create a safe, fun engaging and movement based practice, keep looking for updates on the Coach's Clipboard or use one of the links below.

Links:

1. Session Lengths
2. Practice Planning
3. Importance of Baseball Warm-up
4. How to Grip a Baseball