fielding stance

Hi Kim

A couple of thoughts:
1. I teach the kids to try to charge every ball. That way they are to try to intercept it either just as it hits the ground, or just after it comes over the top of a big hop.
2. I truly did not understand the idea you were describing when you said "glove up", "thumb to thumb". I teach pitchers to finish their release with their glove tucked in to their shoulder, to be able to slap a line smash out of their eyes, but all other fielders are taught to "crouch-tail-low" with their throwing hand loosely curled into their glove pocket. Their forearms will be about a 45% degree angle to the ground with their elbows just in front of their knees.

3. They will be sorta' leaning forward anticipating their charge on the ball.

4.I really believe your son will do better without the alligator type catch, BUT HE MUST TRY TO KEEP THE GLOVE VERTICAL AND POINTING DOWN AS HE RECIEVES A "SKINNER" TYPE GROUNDER. hIS THROWING HAND WILL BE BESIDE AND MAYBE SLIGHTLY OVERLAPPING BEHIND THE GLOVE.

Best regards
Kenneth Bean