Your coach was right - you must be ready for the ball before it reaches your glove. It's easy to overlook, but having a plan of action can help make sure that no matter what comes your way, you will handle it competently and decisively. When playing baseball or softball this means knowing whether to simply throw to first or turn a double play; when surveying an area, understanding ahead-of-time what objectives are hoped to be achieved from the information collected ensures everything runs smoothly upon execution.