Make the catching position a priority on your team. The catcher and pitcher will influence the pace and quality of the game more than any other players on the field. The catcher should have leadership qualities, be able to communicate with players on the field and should not be afraid to get dirty behind the plate. Look for a fearless blocker who possesses a strong arm to stop would be base stealers. A catcher should poses quick feet to come out of his crouch position to throw to bases. Attempt to develop at least two or three capable catchers. The catching position is often overlooked during practice. As a coach, you should take the time to train your catchers at the numerous skills needed to have success at this position. If you cannot create individual time for these two or three players during the regular practice, set aside 20 minutes with your catchers before or after practice. Be prepared and have a routine so the drills can run smoothly. We recommend following the “Catchers Drills and Practice Routine” at the conclusion of this section.

FUNDAMENTALS

A. Receiving Pitches

1. Feet are at least shoulder-width apart, for good balance.
2. Weight should be evenly distributed on the insides of feet with the right foot slightly open.
3. Knees are bent keeping the back side and body low.
4. Arms should be slightly bent and relaxed. The elbows point slightly outward and are above the knees. Elbow is never inside the knees when giving a target.
5. Glove is extended out in front. Give the target early.
(picture 9-1)
6. With runners on base, the throwing hand is cupped with thumb inside fingers and behind mitt. (picture 9-2) With no one on base, the throwing hand can be placed behind the back or for protection on foul tips if the player is strong enough to catch with one hand. (picture 9-3)
7. Turn the glove left slightly before the pitcher’s release. This will help catch inside pitches and prevent getting handcuffed.
8. For depth, set up as close as possible to the hitter, adjusting position depending on where the hitter is standing in the batter’s box.
9. For location, set up down the middle of the plate unless the count is 0-2. Then set up on either corner.
10. Receive pitches with soft hands never fully extending the arm and locking the elbow.
11. Receive pitches with the wrist turned toward the strike zone, or bring all pitches smoothly toward the chest to make all pitches
appear to be strikes.
12. On low pitches that could be called strikes, receive the ball palm down and bring the ball up.
13. On low pitches out of the strike zone, catch the ball palm up. (picture 9-4)

9-1: Target

9-2: Runners on base

9-4: Low pitch
All-star catcher Mike Lieberthal on receiving pitches:
“Having soft hands will help in framing pitches.
Always let the ball come to you, so your legs can stay under you
and you can maintain balance while receiving”.

B. Giving Signs

1. Set up is the same as receiving pitches except for the following exceptions.
2. Knees are closed up slightly to keep baserunners on first and third, and base coaches from getting a view of the signs being given.
3. Glove is draped over the left knee to block view of signs from third base coach and runner at third.
4. Hand position giving signs is directly between the legs. The fingers and hand should not be to low where they can be seen under the legs from the sides or from behind the catcher. (picture 9-5)

C. Blocking Balls in the Dirt

1. Balls inside the body frame (picture 9-6):

  • Drop forward to both knees with weight slightly forward.
  • Keep shoulders rounded and chin tucked down.
  • Drop the mitt to the ground between the knees to block the hole between the legs. The glove pocket is facing the pitcher.
  • Tuck throwing hand behind the mitt and keep palm forward.
  • Attempt to block the ball in the center of the body with the chest.
  • The upper body is relaxed and not tense.

2. Balls outside the body frame (move in half-circle motion):

  • Take jab step outward with near foot and drop knee.
    (picture -7)
  • Drop trailing knee to the ground and drag.
  • Turn near shoulder toward infield so chest is facing the plate.
  • Keep shoulders rounded, and chin tucked.
  • Drop the mitt to the ground between the knees keeping the wrist flexed and the pocket facing the pitcher.
  • Tuck throwing hand behind the mitt and keep palm forward.
  • Attempt to block the ball in the center of the body with the chest.
  • The upper body is relaxed and not tense. (picture 9-8)

9-5: Giving signs
 



9-6: Blocking position



9-7: Jab step with near foot


9-8: Smoother the ball

Mike Lieberthal on blocking pitches:
“Stay relaxed as possible with the upper body.
This will prevent the ball from rolling far away after it is blocked.
Staying soft will absorb the pitch”.