figuring out a bouncing throw from 3rd or short

Question
Hi
I play first base and i am given alot of low bouncing throws that i have a tough time figuring out...is there some sort of way you can figure out a bouncing ball form the left side of the field?

Answer
If the ball is thrown hard, chances are it's bounce will stay low so you'll want your glove lower to the ground. If it's a soft throw with an arc, it will probably bounce higher. Of course, the ball could hit something on the ground and cause it to do some crazy things. There's a technique in fielding short hops at first base that unfortunately needs to be shown in person and can't be described in a text email. If you ask your coaches, I'm sure one of them should be able to show you how. Basically it involves sweeping the glove towards the ball rather than letting it hop up to you. Also, it's important not to stretch for the throw until the ball is on its way so that you know which direction you need to step. This will make it easier to field the ball.