To help extend the arms, use a slight shoveling action from under the ball. Sometimes short hops require a strong positive forward movement through the ball. Always use a TWO-handed approach. Do not be careless with too much style. Strive to catch the descending hop or short hop.
Every player needs to find and establish movement for momentum as the ball enters the hitting zone.
As the ball enters the hitting zone, the weight becomes distributed evenly on the balls of the feet. Be mentally prepared for the ball to be hit to either side of you and be prepared to react. Experiment with techniques which increase your comfort and allow you to relax. Approach I cannot overemphasize the importance of footwork. Our feet are most important in successful fielding.