The Catchers position is the most demanding in
baseball. During the course of a game, the catcher is the busiest player on the
field-crouching behind the plate, blocking balls, keeping track of the count on
each batter, repositioning teammates defensively, and so on. The catcher needs
to be one of the team leaders as the catcher is much like the quarterback of
the team. The catcher needs to be one of the tougher (both physically and
mentally) players on the team due to the demands on the position. The Catcher
has to learn the most signs on the team. A very good catcher is always one of
the hardest positions to find and/or develop and is said to be the quickest way
to advanced play (College or Pro).
When giving signs to the pitcher remember:
Practice giving signs in a mirror at home. (Do
it from Pitcher's angle and base coach angle)
Proper Distance from the Batter
You need to be far enough behind the batter so
that you don't hit with the bat and called for catcher's interference. You need
to be as close to the batter as you can get without getting hit with the bat.
When the catcher is close to the batter it allows the umpire to get a good look
at the pitch. A good catcher who sets up close to the batter can get those
borderline pitches called for strikes instead of balls by framing them for
strikes. A general rule is that you should almost be able to touch the batters
back elbow if you reached up with your catcher’s mitt.
The Catcher's Position (No Runners)
With nobody on base, you should catch in the
most comfortable position. This is called the primary position. Generally this
is when your feet are shoulder width apart, throwing hand behind your back (for
protection) Catching hand should be slightly outside your knee, catching arm
should be out in front with a slight bend at the elbow to allow for give.
The Catcher's Position (With Runners)
When runners are on base, we have to be in
position for a possible steal or bunt. This is called the secondary stance.
Your feet should be wider apart, weight up on the balls of your feet. Right
toes about even with the left instep. Legs parallel to the ground, your rear
end should be higher up. The throwing hand now comes out next to the right side
of the mitt (with your thumb tucked into your palm with your fingers wrapped
around it). Make sure you make the catch before attempting a throw. It won't do
you any good to be in perfect throwing position if you don't catch the ball
first.
Framing pitches is a very important skill for
a catcher. Framing is a short, fluid move back into the middle of the body with
the glove after you have caught the ball. It allows the borderline pitch to be
called for strikes for often. Don't overdo it, by trying to frame pitches that
were way out of the strike zone (10+ inches) as the umpire will pick up on this
and may use it against you.
The catcher is not expected to catch every low
pitch, but the catcher is expected to at least keep the pitch in front of him
so the runners do not advance. There are different blocking styles for
different types of pitches. The first style is for pitches straight in front of
you (generally fastballs):
The second style is for pitches in the dirt
either inside or outside of you (Quite often Changeups and Curves):
Most pop-ups will tend to drift back into the
field due to the spin of the ball because of this the following steps should be
used when fielding pop-ups from the catcher’s position:
There are two methods to use when fielding
bunts down the third base line. The first is taking a small jab step with your
left foot and go out and round the ball (always staying to the left of the
ball). Get your right plant foot behind the ball, scoop and throw. The second
method is head directly to the ball; get your right foot over the ball. Spin
toward first base and make the throw. On bunts directly in front of you, head
straight for the ball, round off when you get to the ball. Square up to first
base. Make the throw. On bunts towards first base, Head straight for ball,
scoop the ball up. Either step into the infield (first choice) to get a better
throw angle or step into foul territory to get a better angle. Make sure you
don't hit the runner.
When to Scoop and When to Bare Hand
Generally, when the ball is moving, it should
be scooped using both the glove and hand. When the ball is not moving then you
may use the bare hand method. When picking up the ball it is important to think
of your hand as a corkscrew or pitchfork and either 'screw' or 'fork' the ball
into the ground as you pick it up. A common mistake is to take your eyes off
the ball to look at the runner before you securely have the ball, Do not take your eyes off the ball until it is securely in
your hand.
Always remember the catcher is the only
defensive player on the field that can see the entire field and as such
'directs traffic'. Take Charge, Be VOCAL, let your teammates know where the
play needs to be. If the ball needs to be thrown to 3B or Home from the
outfield, let them know by calling out 3, 3, 3 or 4, 4, 4. If it should be cut
and thrown to 2B, let them know by calling out 'Cut 2, Cut 2. Remind them of
the situation, (One out, plays at First, We got White on a Bunt, etc.).
Remember, don't be shy, you are already looked up to by your teammates by
playing the most demanding position on the field.