Blocking, framing

Do catchers get to practice their position?

Next time you are around a youth baseball practice, take note how much time is dedicated to the catchers to practice their skills such as receiving, blocking and throwing.  If it is anything like almost all of the practices I see then there is NO time dedicated to catchers.  The most the catcher might get… Continue reading Do catchers get to practice their position?

Receiving

Pitch Framing

In recent years the "art" of pitch framing has gained a lot of attention in baseball.  Major League Baseball now tracks catchers' statistics around their effectiveness at getting strikes called on borderline pitches. Unfortunately the concept of pitch framing is misinterpreted by many players and coaches in youth baseball.  This has resulted in many youth… Continue reading Pitch Framing

Catching Mitt/Glove

Deciding on a Catchers Mitt

Your catchers mitt is the most important piece of equipment you will use.  As you advance to higher levels of play (high school, college and beyond) it will be used to catch 100 or more pitches in a game and that doesn't count pre-game warm-up, between game bullpens and general practices. So, it is safe… Continue reading Deciding on a Catchers Mitt

Catching Equipment, Catching Mitt/Glove, General Catching

Breaking in a Catchers Mitt

One of my favorite times is when I receive a new catchers mitt.  There is just something about the process of making that mitt your own.  Forming it to your hand, shaping the pocket how you want it and in general, making it your own. This (January/February) when youth catchers should be working to break… Continue reading Breaking in a Catchers Mitt