An Empirical Note on the Bilateral Use of a Baseball Glove by Skilled Catchers

Abstract

This study investigated whether 20 skilled baseball/softball players could perform simple gloved catching with both the dominant and nondominant catching hand in the presence and absence of visual feedback of the glove. Results showed essentially perfect performance in all conditions. Out of 1600 total trials, only 7 balls were dropped, all by the nondominant catching hand. Of these, 6 occurred in the absence of vision of the glove. The data provide a demonstration of bilateral motor skill transfer and also suggest that articular proprioception allows adequate positioning of the glove and timing of the grasp by the nondominant catching hand. Viewing the glove is not necessary.