Worst-Case Wednesday: How to Survive Playing Catch

Every Wednesday, we offer advice and strategies to survive all of the most dire and urgent circumstances, as well as some of the more common scenarios we all deal with.

This week we've got an excerpt from The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Parenting. Father's Day is just around the corner, and what's more essential to the "dad experience" than playing catch with your kids? So fire up the grill, break out the mitts, and have a blast not getting smacked by rogue baseballs. 

Step 1: Eat right. 

Start the day with high-protein, high-carbohydrate breakfast: bacon and eggs, susages, or eggs on toast are all good choices. Drink plenty of fluids to aid digestion, but avaoid excess caffeine, which dehydrates. Wait 30 to 45 minuets for the meal to digest before playing ball.
 

Step 2: Stretch.

Get the blood flowing with 15 to 20 minutes of intense stretching, fast scissor jumps, and vigorous running in place (get your knees up high). Make sure all major muscle groups—especially your arms, shoulders, thighs, and upper and lower back—are loose. 
 

Step 3: Tape ankles.

Wrap your ankles in first-aid tape to add support and reduce the chance of a twist or sprain. 
 

Step 4: Don head- and wrist-bands. 

Keep sweat out of your eyes and off your hands.
 

Step 5: Wear protective eye-wear.

You may be forced to jump for a lofted shot or catch a bouncer. Sunglasses will reduce glare and eyestrain and make the ball more visible. Wear a hat for added protection from the sun. 
 

Step 6: Wear knee and elbow pads.

Pads will protect your joints should you need to dive, slide, or roll, or should you trip.
 

Step 7: Wear studded boots.

Stidded boots provide extra traction.
 

Step 8: Play Ball.