One of the most common skills that catchers are never taught much about is proper sign giving technique. What are supposed to be private conversations between a catcher and the pitcher are many times broadcasted for all to see. With a few subtle modifications in technique the process can be kept hidden from baseline coaches. Here are a few guidelines. The sign giving position is the only receiving position where the catcher is up on the balls of his feet. ... Read More

I have been asked many times what is the best way for a catcher to make the force play at the plate when bases are loaded and the ball is hit to an infielder. This play should be the front end of a double play. The out at first is often lost due to a late throw by the catcher. To follow is the techniques that I teach and think is the fastest way to get the out at the ... Read More

It is certain that no matter how good a catcher is, balls will get past him and roll to the backstop. You can call them wild pitches or passed balls, but it doesn't make any difference at the time of the play. The important thing is that the catcher knows how to make the play correctly and how to minimize the damage. There are two different game scenarios for a passed ball situation: (1) a lone runner on first or second, ... Read More

I need to start with a few premises on stance so the analysis makes sense down the road. Stance Secondary receiving position (runners on base) has feet slightly wider then primary (no runners on). Heels touch the ground, toes pointed up the lines Throwing hand is behind glove. Proper position for throwing hand is as follows. Player extends hand as if to offer handshake. Drop thumb to palm, wrap fingers around to protect thumb. Then the hand is placed behind glove with the ... Read More

Proper Stance: Secondary receiving position (runners on base) has feet slightly wider then primary (no runners on). Heals are on the ground, toes pointed up the lines Throwing hand is behind glove. Proper position for throwing hand is as follows. Player extends hand as if to offer handshake. Drop thumb to palm, wrap fingers around to protect thumb. Then the hand is placed behind glove with the middle finger knuckles touching glove. Catcher has come up in crouch so thighs are parallel to ground. ... Read More

People are surprised to see an article written by a catching coach with this title. I am actually not opposed to framing when done correctly. I avoid using the term when instructing my students due to the misinformation out there about what it actually is. I advocate using techniques that keep strikes looking like strikes. I see so many students come for instruction with the idea that “Framing” is a technique that will fool an umpire into thinking a pitch that ... Read More

I am often asked how we are able to get players as young as 8 yrs old to block balls in the dirt so successfully. I believe that much of it is that we teach blocking as a progression of learned skills. First two premises that we share with players. The purpose of blocking is NOT to catch the ball with their glove. While some balls may very well go directly ... Read More

I explain to my students that the fielding of bunts requires the same skills that fielding a blocked ball does. When you master the skills you will be making yourself ready to make the play in either situation. The obvious difference in technique being you start from your crouch for bunts and you start from the ground for blocks. The proper fielding of a ball on the ground begins with the understanding of 3 main premises. I will never make a ... Read More

It is common knowledge among youth baseball and softball coaches that the one play most responsible for scoring runs is not the blast over the fence or the shot in the gap; it’s the passed ball. As coaches we often find ourselves asking why is it so difficult for our young catchers to keep the ball in front of them. Why do so many balls get by and allow runners to advance and ultimately score? To ... Read More

A catcher's throw down to second base to nab a potential base stealer is in essence a 3-part skill that can be evaluated for strengths and weaknesses and improved. The three components are: (1) Ball Control and Release Efficiency, (2) In-flight Velocity, and (3) Accuracy. On average a catcher's success rate is just 25% and, at best, around 50%. Each of the three components of the throw contribute to the success or failure. Without evaluating each part and just practicing ... Read More