In order to catch a fast-moving softball with your bare hand, you extend your hand forward just before the catch and then let the ball ride backward with your hand. doing this reduces the catching force because the

This is a concept of momentum. In equation, momentum is the product of force and distance. When a ball is thrown, its force is constant all throughout unless disturbed by an external force. Therefore, force is the constant of proportionality that relates momentum with distance. When you block a ball from a given distance, you would feel the great force on your hand. In order to reduce the force, you have to follow the direction of the force in order to minimize the impact. By doing this, you gradually decrease the momentum of the ball.