Its no secret the sun can completely mess up your game. What would usually be a routine fly ball can turn into a tricky play all because of the sun. But don’t worry, I am here to help. Below I am going to share with you 4 tips that will help you catch fly balls in the sun.
Tip #1 – Use Your Glove To Block The Sun
One of the easiest defenses against the sun is your glove. You need to get used to using it as a shield to help you block the sun from getting in your eyes. When you are looking up to find the baseball use the glove so you can see where the ball is.
Tip #2 – Remain Calm
The worst thing you can do in this situation is panic. When the baseball is hit high in the sky you can lose sight of it when the sun is glaring down on you. But don’t panic. Remain calm. Remember the ball has to come down. Your job is to get an angle where you are not looking directly at the sun. When you do you should be able to see the ball before it comes down and hits the ground.
Trust your read. Generally speaking you are right. Make sure you are in the general area and once the ball comes out of the sun you will be able to make the catch.
Tip #3 – Use Your Angles
When the ball is hit you need to immediately change your angle. You need to angle your body in way that the sun is not blocking your view of the ball. This can be difficult but it is not impossible. You want the sun to be in your peripheral vision. And as stated before, you have to trust your read. Be in the area where you believe the ball will come down. As the ball comes down you will be able to see it. I will be honest with you, this is not an easy catch.
Tip #4 – Make Sure You Have The Right Sunglasses
If you play in the outfield you absolutely must have sunglasses. They are one of the most important pieces of equipment you need. Sunglasses help keep the bright sun out of your eyes and it helps prevent glare. As you can imagine there are a ton of different sunglasses you can choose from. Take your time and do a little research to find the best ones. Like with all things, you have to find the pair that works best for you.
When you are on the field always make sure you have your glasses on. You never want to get caught with your glasses on your hat. Especially if it prevents you from making an important play. That is a sure way to find yourself in the dugout. So when the sun is out have your glasses on. That way you will have a better chance of catching any fly balls that come your way.
