How can youth catchers improve their skills. What drills are most effective for developing elite catching abilities. Which exercises enhance a catcher’s throwing, blocking, and fielding techniques.
Mastering the Wild Pitch: The Runner on 3rd Base Drill
Blocking wild pitches is a crucial skill for any catcher, especially with runners in scoring position. The Wild Pitch Catcher Drill simulates this high-pressure scenario, helping young catchers develop quick reflexes and proper technique.
How does this drill work? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- A runner takes position at third base
- The pitcher intentionally throws a wild pitch behind the catcher
- The catcher must quickly locate the ball, removing their mask if necessary
- Approaching the ball from the throwing arm side, the catcher retrieves it
- The pitcher covers home plate
- From their knees, the catcher throws to the pitcher at home
This drill reinforces proper footwork, ball tracking, and the importance of a quick release. By practicing this scenario repeatedly, young catchers develop the muscle memory and decision-making skills needed to handle wild pitches effectively in game situations.
Perfecting Pop-up Catches: The Fielding Drill
Pop-ups can be deceptively challenging for catchers, requiring a combination of awareness, agility, and hand-eye coordination. The Catcher Fielding Popup Drill hones these skills while simulating game-like situations.
Basic Pop-up Practice
To start, the catcher dons full gear, including their face mask. The coach then throws a series of 7-10 fly balls, allowing the catcher to practice mask removal and proper positioning. This repetition builds confidence and improves technique.
Advanced Pop-up Scenarios
Once the basics are mastered, the drill can be expanded to include baserunners. How does this change the dynamic? A runner is placed on second base, and the coach throws pop-ups behind the catcher. The runner must hold until the ball is caught or dropped, adding a strategic element to the drill.
Why is this important? In game situations, a catcher’s ability to field pop-ups cleanly can lead to crucial double plays or prevent runners from advancing. By practicing both catches and throws after dropped balls, catchers develop the quick thinking and execution needed for these pivotal moments.
Perfecting the Home Plate Tag: Technique and Positioning
Tagging runners at home plate is a high-stakes play that can often determine the outcome of a game. The Tag Runner at Home Drill focuses on developing proper technique and body positioning for these crucial moments.
Key Elements of a Successful Tag
- Foot placement: The catcher’s left foot should be positioned in front of home plate
- Ball security: Maintaining a firm grip on the ball within the glove is essential
- Body positioning: Catchers should practice collapsing onto their left knee for optimal tagging position
How is this drill executed safely? The coach can have team members take turns running from third base, sliding at reduced speeds to minimize injury risk. The focus remains on the catcher’s technique rather than the intensity of the runner’s slide.
By repeatedly practicing this motion, catchers develop the muscle memory needed to execute tags smoothly and confidently during games. This drill also reinforces the importance of protecting oneself and the ball during potential collisions at the plate.
Mastering Force Plays: The Home Plate Drill
Force plays at home plate require a different set of skills compared to tags. The Force Play at Home Drill helps catchers develop the proper footwork and positioning needed for these situations.
Drill Setup and Execution
How is this drill structured? Set up runners on first and third base, with the coach positioned near the pitcher’s mound. The coach then rolls ground balls to simulate throws from infielders, allowing the catcher to practice receiving the ball and touching home plate.
What are the key elements catchers should focus on?
- Proper foot placement on home plate
- Maintaining a wide, stable stance
- Keeping eyes on the incoming throw
- Quick, decisive movements to secure the force out
By repeating this drill, catchers develop the muscle memory and spatial awareness needed to execute force plays efficiently. This skill is particularly crucial in high-pressure situations, such as bases-loaded scenarios late in games.
Enhancing Throwing Accuracy: The Knee Drill
A catcher’s ability to throw accurately to bases is a cornerstone of their defensive value. The Knee Drill focuses on developing a strong, accurate throwing motion from the catcher’s stance.
Drill Mechanics and Benefits
How does the Knee Drill work? The catcher starts in their normal squat position, then drops to both knees. From this position, they practice throwing to second base, focusing on upper body mechanics and arm strength.
Why is this drill effective?
- Isolates upper body mechanics, improving throwing form
- Builds arm strength and endurance
- Encourages a quick, compact release
- Helps catchers develop a consistent throwing motion
By removing the lower body from the equation, catchers can focus entirely on their arm action and release point. This targeted practice leads to improved accuracy and velocity when throwing from both knees and the full squat position.
Blocking Techniques: The Rapid-Fire Drill
Effective blocking is a critical skill for catchers, preventing passed balls and wild pitches that could allow runners to advance. The Rapid-Fire Blocking Drill hones a catcher’s reflexes and technique under pressure.
Drill Structure and Goals
How is this drill conducted? The coach or pitcher throws a series of low pitches in quick succession, challenging the catcher to block each one properly. Balls can be mixed in terms of location – low and inside, low and outside, or directly in the dirt.
What should catchers focus on during this drill?
- Quick lateral movement to get in front of the ball
- Proper body positioning to create a barrier
- Using the chest protector effectively to deaden the ball
- Quick recovery to locate and retrieve blocked pitches
The rapid-fire nature of this drill simulates the pressure of game situations, helping catchers develop the instincts and muscle memory needed to block effectively. Consistent practice with this drill can significantly reduce passed balls and wild pitches during games.
Improving Pitch Framing: The Target Drill
Pitch framing has become an increasingly valued skill in modern baseball. The Target Drill helps young catchers develop the subtle movements and positioning needed to present borderline pitches as strikes.
Implementing the Target Drill
How does this drill work? Set up a strike zone target with clearly defined edges. The catcher receives pitches from a pitcher or coach, focusing on “sticking” the catch and subtly bringing borderline pitches into the strike zone.
What are the key aspects of effective pitch framing?
- Quiet hands: Minimizing excess movement when receiving the pitch
- Body positioning: Aligning the body to present the best angle to the umpire
- Subtle glove movement: Gently guiding borderline pitches into the strike zone
- Holding the position: Maintaining the framed position for a brief moment
By practicing these techniques regularly, catchers can significantly impact the game by expanding the effective strike zone. This skill not only helps pitchers but can also change the dynamics of at-bats in favor of the defensive team.
Developing Game Awareness: The Situational Drill
A great catcher needs more than just physical skills – they must be the on-field general, aware of every situation. The Situational Drill helps develop this crucial game awareness.
Running the Situational Drill
How is this drill structured? The coach sets up various game scenarios, complete with baserunners and a specific game situation (inning, score, outs). The catcher must then make decisions on pitch calls, pickoff attempts, and defensive alignments.
What aspects of game awareness does this drill target?
- Understanding pitch sequencing
- Recognizing steal attempts
- Managing the pitcher’s workload
- Calling for pickoff throws
- Adjusting defensive positioning
By simulating these complex game situations, catchers learn to process information quickly and make sound strategic decisions. This mental training is just as important as physical drills in developing a well-rounded, elite catcher.
Enhancing Stamina: The Endurance Circuit
Catching is one of the most physically demanding positions in baseball, requiring exceptional lower body strength and endurance. The Endurance Circuit helps young catchers build the stamina needed to maintain peak performance throughout a game.
Components of the Endurance Circuit
What exercises make up an effective catcher’s endurance circuit?
- Wall sits: Simulating the catcher’s squat
- Jump squats: Building explosive lower body strength
- Lateral shuffles: Improving side-to-side mobility
- Medicine ball throws: Enhancing core strength and rotational power
- Sprints: Developing quick bursts of speed for fielding and blocking
How should this circuit be structured? Catchers perform each exercise for 30-45 seconds, moving quickly between stations with minimal rest. The entire circuit is repeated 2-3 times, gradually increasing in duration and intensity as the catcher’s fitness improves.
Regular practice with the Endurance Circuit not only improves physical stamina but also enhances mental toughness. Catchers who can maintain their focus and technique even when fatigued are invaluable assets to their teams.
Fine-Tuning Receiving Skills: The Quiet Hands Drill
Soft hands and quiet receiving are hallmarks of elite catchers. The Quiet Hands Drill focuses on developing these crucial skills, which contribute to better pitch framing and reduced passed balls.
Executing the Quiet Hands Drill
How is this drill performed? The catcher sets up in their normal stance, but with their throwing hand behind their back. A coach or pitcher throws various pitches, challenging the catcher to receive each one smoothly with minimal glove movement.
What are the key points to focus on during this drill?
- Relaxed arm and wrist to absorb the impact of the pitch
- Minimal glove movement when securing the ball
- Proper glove positioning to present strikes effectively
- “Sticking” the catch to give a clear target for the umpire
Why is this drill effective? By removing the throwing hand from the equation, catchers are forced to focus entirely on their receiving technique. This isolated practice leads to smoother, more consistent catches during games, improving both defensive metrics and pitcher confidence.
The Quiet Hands Drill can be varied by introducing different pitch types and locations, helping catchers prepare for the diverse arsenal they’ll encounter in game situations. Consistent practice with this drill can significantly elevate a catcher’s receiving skills, making them a more valuable defensive asset.
Conclusion: Building a Complete Catcher
Developing an elite youth catcher requires a multifaceted approach, combining physical skills, mental acuity, and strategic understanding of the game. The ten drills outlined here provide a comprehensive framework for young catchers to hone their craft:
- Wild Pitch Catcher Drill
- Fielding Popup Drill
- Tag Runner at Home Drill
- Force Play at Home Drill
- Knee Throwing Drill
- Rapid-Fire Blocking Drill
- Target Pitch Framing Drill
- Situational Awareness Drill
- Endurance Circuit
- Quiet Hands Receiving Drill
By consistently practicing these drills, young catchers can develop the full range of skills needed to excel behind the plate. Coaches should incorporate these exercises into regular training sessions, gradually increasing complexity and intensity as players improve.
Remember, becoming an elite catcher is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and constant refinement. Encourage young catchers to embrace the challenges of the position, celebrating small improvements along the way. With consistent practice and a commitment to excellence, these drills can help transform promising young players into standout catchers capable of making a significant impact on the diamond.
10 Youth Catcher Drills to Build an Elite Player
One of the most challenging positions in baseball belongs to the catcher. It is both physically and mentally demanding. Catchers are in deep squats through 7 innings while they give the pitcher signals and keep track of the opposition’s base runners. Nothing helps young little league catchers improve their play as much as youth catcher drills. Assembled here are 10 youth catcher drills designed to keep catchers playing at a high level.
Youth catcher drills are designed to help all catcher levels strengthen throwing arms, gain strength in the legs, help conceal pitching signals, and test understanding of his key role in the game. These drills require the coach, members of the team and the pitcher.
Wild Pitch Catcher Drill – Runner on 3rd Base
It’s almost impossible at times for catchers to block a wild pitch with their bodies no matter how well they’ve closed up the
points where balls can pass through. In this drill performed during team practice, a runner stands at third base and the pitcher is on the mound.
The pitcher intentionally throws wild so the ball goes behind the catcher near the backstop. Here are the steps the catcher takes:
- Catcher immediately locates the ball behind him (pulls off his face guard).
- Once located, catcher approaches the ball on the throwing arm side of his body.
- He should also practice approaching the ball by sliding towards it on his knees.
- Pitcher covers home plate.
- Catcher picks ball up and, on his knees, throws to the pitcher at home.
Catcher Fielding Popup Drill
This is another drill that has the catcher running through a play that is similar to a situation during a game. Encourage repeating the Catcher Fielding Popup Drill to make it easier for your catcher to get under and catch fly balls. During the game, catchers need to be aware of where runners are on base and be able to react quickly after catching the ball.
When a high fly ball is hit and the catcher calls it, runners stay on base until the ball is caught or dropped. A good clean catch and release allows the catcher to catch a base runner off guard and throw him out.
On the other hand, if he drops the ball, the runner can advance. Catchers now need to have quick reflexes to grab the ball and throw it to the base before the runner gets there.
For this drill, the catcher is in full gear, including his face mask. The coach throws one fly ball after the other in the air as the catcher fields it. The catcher pulls off his mask and catches the pop ups. Throw up about 7 to 10 fly balls so the catcher can practice removing his mask and positioning himself to field the ball.
Next, the coach places a runner at second base. The coach stands between the pitcher’s mound and home and throws fly balls behind the catcher. The coach instructs the runner to hold at second until the catcher either fields or drops the fly ball. On a missed fly ball, the runner heads to third and slides, while the catcher retrieves the ball where it dropped and throws it to the third baseman. The idea is to have the catcher try to throw the runner out on third.
If the pop fly is close to the fence, catchers estimate their distance from it and approach the ball by sliding towards it, glove out. It’s great to be able to slide and catch because it’s safer than running towards the ball and colliding with the fence. Coaches need to practice making them go in multiple directions for the player to make the catch.
Tag Runner at Home Drill
This play occurs a lot in game situations. A runner heads towards home plate, sliding into the plate and the catcher tries to tag him out. Catchers need to be in a good position to have success with this play.
When a runner tags and approaches home, the catcher places his left foot in front of the plate. The key is that the catcher holds onto to the ball tightly in his glove so it doesn’t get jarred loose upon impact with the runner. Positioning of the body is also key, and catchers should practice collapsing on their left knee to be in tagging position.
The coach has a runner on third run towards home. Lob a baseball to the catcher and have him practice securing the ball in his glove as the runner slides into the plate. To avoid injuries, coaches could have each member of the team run from third to home so each player slides only once. Also, since this is not a real game situation, the runners don’t need to slide into home at full speed, which can also cause injury.
The focus is on the catcher, positioning his left foot in front of home, and tagging the runner out while on his left knee. It’s not suggested to combine a runner sliding drill with this catcher’s drill, since the Tag Runner at Home Drill works on the catcher’s skills.
Force Play at Home Drill
This is yet another catcher’s drill that simulates game play in real time. The Force Play at Home Drill is a throwing drill, working on the catcher’s ability to turn a double play after making the play at home. This play works mostly on the catcher’s movements and is designed to improve positioning his body so he can quickly throw the ball to first.
The coach places a runner on third and the first baseman is on the bag at first.
- The coach instructs the runner at third base to run home, then throws the ball to the catcher at home. The couch instructs another runner to run from home to first at the same time the runner from third begins his advance to home plate.
- The catcher places one foot (preferably his left foot) on home plate and sets up like a first baseman to lean into catching the ball.
- The catcher then shuffles his feet and sets up to throw to first base for the double play. Shuffling to the left will gives catchers the better angle for the throw to first.
Catchers should also practice by starting from a crouching position, then getting rid of his mask and fielding the ball the coach throws to him. Repeating this drill often helps the catcher to modify his movements so he can catch the ball tight in his glove, move towards first and throw.
If he starts the drill in a crouch he can learn to stand and stretch to the ball, then throw to the first basemen. Catching and releasing the ball quickly can mean the difference between the runner making it to first base, of being thrown out along with the runner at home for the double play.
Ball Thrown From the Outfield
It’s rare for a ball thrown from the outfield to home plate to be a line drive. Most take a bounce in the infield, sometimes making unpredictable hops. Since the ball will come in on one hop, catchers need to be able to effectively block balls that take erratic jumps so runners won’t advance on an error. Avoiding critical runs scoring is key, and errors should be avoided at all costs.
The coach or an outfield player goes out to the outfield and practices throwing balls into the catcher on one hop. The catcher does not need to start from his crouching position every time, since he’ll have time to remove his mask when the ball is hit. The focus is totally on either getting the ball into his glove after the hop or blocking it with his body.
A more advanced version of this drill is to go through the entire sequence. The coach puts a runner on second base and hits balls to the left, center and right field with either a fungo bat or a regular bat. In this way the catcher can go through his entire sequence of movements, from crouch, then removing his mask and approaching the ball, fielding or blocking it, then trying to tag the runner at home.
If the ball gets past the catcher, it will likely result in the run scoring from second base. Catchers doing the advanced version of this drill can see in real time the impact of their play, noting how important it is not to let the ball thrown from the outfield get past him.
Make Throws With Ball on the Ground
During game play a lot of balls will bounce off the catcher’s body when he blocks incoming throws or he blocks it with his chest protector. The ball falls on the ground in front of him and he needs to get the ball and know where to throw it in a split second.
After the ball bounces off the catcher’s body he needs to recover as fast as possible (Always use the hand! Not with the glove!) and get himself into throwing position. For this drill, the coach stands on the pitching mound and throws balls at the catcher so they bounce off his chest protector. Watch and see how quickly he picks up the ball and gets into a throwing stance.
After throwing at him for a few minutes, simulate a real game situation. Place a runner at home and throw the ball hard to the catcher so he blocks it. The runner advances to first base as the catcher grasps the ball and throws to first in time to beat the runner.
An advanced version of the this drill is placing runners at home, first and second base. Throw a ball to the catcher to block with either his body or the chest protector and have all the runners advance at the same time. Depending on how well he has fielded it, the catcher decides which base gives him the best opportunity to throw out a runner.
The catcher’s first choice should be to third base to get the lead runner. However, catchers should try to throw out at first and second base as well.
General Conditioning
This drill is very simple but effective. Coaches want to rely on youth catchers on game day to have the ability to field every ball that comes to him. The bounce of a baseball changes based on how it bounces, or the condition of the field. The best catchers are effective no matter the state of the field.
- Wet grass: the ball will be wet and it will move slowly. The catcher needs to advance towards it quickly to compensate for its lack of movement.
- Dry playing conditions: In arid conditions, balls move faster. If playing on a day when the temperature is high and the air is dry, the ball moves faster still. Catchers wear gear the other players don’t, so it’s critical that he stays hydrated, preferably with water instead of soft drinks.
- Poorly maintained field: Sometimes rocks and pebbles are found on infield clay and not removed for one reason or another before a scheduled game. Baseballs make unpredictable bounces when they bounce off pebbles, and catchers need to make their best attempt to field them.
These different conditions will affect every player on the field, but will impact the catcher the most. He needs to be able to block balls coming at him from a 180 degree semicircle on his left, in front and to his right.
The coach can practice throwing baseballs from the pitcher’s mound or closer to the catcher. Have im field not one, but five balls at the same time. The object is that the catcher attempts to block them all, not allowing any of the five to pass by him.
Frame the Pitch
This drill involves the catcher receiving a repeated number of balls and keeping his glove in the strike zone. A close pitch can be called either a ball or strike by the umpire depending on where the catcher caught it. This drill is not designed to “cheat” on the call, but instead to hold the glove within the strike zone to make certain that strikes are called.
The ball is thrown into the catcher at an angle by the coach or a player. The thrower is positioned 10 to 15 feet from home plate, standing halfway between the pitcher’s mound and the first base line. The ball is pitched underhanded towards the catcher’s left knee (across home plate). This allows the catcher to practice catching inside pitches. Try throwing 10 times in this direction.
Next, the thrower alternates and places himself between the mound and the third base line. Throw another 10 pitches, aimed at the catcher’s right knee. This helps the catcher work on balls pitched to the outside of the plate.
Eye Patch Youth Catcher Drill
This drill is designed to improve a catcher’s perception of the ball from behind home plate by limiting his field of vision. The drill requires a pitcher, mini wiffle balls and an eye patch.
The catcher crouches in his normal stance behind home plate with one hand behind his back without a glove. The pitcher stands 5 to 10 feet away between the mound and home plate, and fits an eye patch first over one of his eyes.
The pitcher throws underhand to the catcher who attempts to catch the ball with one hand. Repeating throws will only improve his ability to see it coming. Over time, he’ll get better at catching the wiffle ball.
After a few minutes, the catcher switches hands and places the eye patch over his other eye, and puts his other arm behind his back.
Calling Pitches Drill for Catchers
Good catchers call pitches based on his pitcher’s strengths, and not the batter’s weakness. Pitchers and catchers need to spend time during practice by themselves so others can learn about the pitcher’s strengths. The pitcher himself learns to throw where the catcher’s glove is placed. This drill involves only the pitcher standing on the mound and the catcher crouched in his stance behind home plate.
The catcher studies home plate and visualizes it being split into thirds, inside, down the middle and outside. He begins calling pitches and placing his glove horizontal to the plate in each of these three areas.
Pitcher and catcher should spend a full 20 minutes on this part of the drill, and work on it even outside of team practice before games if feasible. The catcher studies the pitches and learns what the best throws are, and what needs improvement. This drill helps both the pitcher and catcher.
The pitcher and catcher should practice throwing and catching fastballs, curves, breaking balls, slow-pitch balls, throws to the inside and outside of the plate. They should also seek input from the coach regarding what kinds of pitches to throw depending on the pitch count.
Baseball Catcher Drills and Skills
Baseball catcher drills are a very important part of a youth baseball coach’s practice. Catching, in my opinion, is the most important defensive position on a youth baseball team. It is the one player that can lose youth baseball games but can also win the with solid defense. The catcher needs to be tough, smart and athletic all at the same time. Unless you are Buster Posey or Pudge Rodriguez, catchers don’t necessarily have to be great hitters to play a lot.
The “tough” mentality must come into play because he cannot let any ball get by him. He is the backstop. This toughness and ability allow the pitcher to trust his catcher will block any pitch he throws (pitcher doesn’t have to worry about wild pitches and passed balls).
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The baseball catcher also needs to have a very high “baseball IQ.” He is the only defensive player that faces the rest of the team. His teammates look for him to captain the team by calling out plays and where to throw the ball. The catcher needs to be vocal with his teammates. In summary, the catcher is the ROCK on the team and everyone needs to know it!
With all of these responsibilities, this player needs to work hard on catcher drills. Baseball catching drills can be a lot of hard work, but they can also be fun! Where else can you get dirty and use your body to block and hit things? It is a great position to play!
Playing the catcher position in baseball is a unique position and requires many different skills in order to be successful. There’s a lot more to it than to catch and throw, which is why it’s important for coaches to work with their catchers using a variety of different drills. Each individual drill is meant to isolate a certain skill and when you put all the skills together, will help your player become better when they put them to use at game speed.
For the purpose of this article, we have put together a list of individual drills that coaches can have their catchers work on. The idea is to keep each individual drill simple and easy to perform. By mastering as many of these skills as possible, the chances of your catchers performance getting better on game day will be greatly improved.
Use our blocking drills for catching to strengthen your technique and increase your speed.
A catcher receiving the ball cleanly and presenting it for the umpire is essential. Here are some catching drills to work on catcher receiving.
This drill can be done either indoors or outdoors and you can use a tennis ball or a regular baseball. The idea is to have someone lob a ball to your catcher who catches it by letting the ball come to them rather than reaching for it. They should also be flexible and practice slightly moving or framing the ball when they catch it.
This is very similar to the soft hand drill in that the goal is to practice receiving the ball with soft hands and flexibility. However, always catch the ball with bare hands rather than using a glove.
The coach or another player will stand behind the catcher and throw balls off a wall. The catcher will not know which direction the ball will go and they will need to judge the bounce and make sure they stay in front of it and make the catch.
This is another drill that teaches a catcher to have soft hands. Your catcher will hold one ball in the lower part of their hand while receiving a second ball that they catch primarily with their fingers in the same hand.
The catcher will practice receiving a ball bounced to them and work on framing the pitch. This improves their receiving skills and also reinforces soft hands and flexibility.
The idea here is to teach your catchers how to go from receiving the ball to getting themselves in the proper throwing position. The drill can begin with receiving a throw from 15 feet with the catcher practicing receiving the ball and then making the transfer to the throwing position. Work on keeping the glove and ball high at all times.
Then move the drill out to about 30 feet and work on making the transfer to the throwing position and also work on your throw to second footwork. When you begin working on your throw to second base footwork, start by standing to isolate your footwork. Then add the throw. Then add the crouch. The person receiving the throw should stand about 3/4 of the distance to second base to receive the throws. This reason for this is to emphasize making sharp, line drive throws. It’s better to make a one hop throw to second than to make a popup like throw..
Next work on the hop and catch (catch after hop). Transfer ball to the throwing position and then add in throwing the ball. If available, you can use a pitching machine to deliver consistent reps and give better control for the drill.
Another catch and throw drill you can do is to practice throws from catcher to third base. Focus on the footwork they need to throw to third. When you begin working on your throw to third base, start by standing to isolate your footwork. The person receiving the throw should stand about 3/4 of the distance to third base to receive throws. This reason for this is to emphasize making sharp, line drive throws.
Catcher footwork is important on steal plays and fielding bunts. Learn proper technique with our catcher footwork drills.
For the bunt drill, drop the ball in different positions so the catcher will need to first practice finding the ball. They should then move quickly to the ball and approach it so they pick it up in the throwing position. Then, shuffle feet and throw. Work on making throws to different bases so they can get the lead runner when runners are on base.
Catcher throwing is important to manage the running game, prevent steals and fielding bunts. Learn proper technique with our catcher throwing drills.
For catchers, there are many times where you’ll need to pick up a ball that has either caromed off of your chest protector or hit the ground after you blocked it. A catcher needs to recover quickly and get into throwing position. For this drill, bounce balls off the chest protector or have the catcher block balls in the dirt. Practice having your catcher quickly pick up the ball and try to get into throwing position as quickly as possible.
In this scenario, there is a runner on third base and your pitcher makes a wild pitch and the ball gets behind you. The first thing the catcher should do is to locate the ball behind them as quickly as possible. They should then work on approaching the ball on their throwing arm side which will allow them to get rid of the ball quicker. The can also work on sliding towards the ball on a knee if they prefer. Then grab ball and throw from one or both knees to the pitcher covering home.
There are times when the bases are loaded with less than two outs and the play is to force the runner at home to stop a run from scoring. Although this seems to be an easy play for the catcher, it is worth practicing if you want to turn the double play. For this drill, the catcher should receive the ball like a first baseman, providing a good target with one foot on the plate and reaching for the ball. The can also add a crouch to get ready for the next move. Once they receive the ball, they can add a shuffle to the left of the baseline and throw to first to try and get the batter out. Shuffling to the left will give them a better angle for the throw.
This is a play that can happen somewhat regularly but is probably not practiced enough. A catcher needs to be in a good position to be successful making the play. Have them work on keeping their left foot in front of the plate. Make sure that after receiving the ball they secure it with both hands for the tag so that it doesn’t get jarred loose. It can also be helpful for them to collapse on their left knee for a more secure tagging position.
This is a simple drill that most coaches don’t have their catchers work on. Throws to the plate from the outfield will normally reach the catcher on one hop. Practice making these throws to your catcher with the emphasis on them blocking the ball no matter what. Make sure they don’t let the ball get past them.
It’s not an easy play for a catcher to go from the crouched position to chasing down a pop up. However, with practice they can get better at it. The first thing is to make sure they locate the ball and get rid of their mask. If the ball is close to a fence, try to find the fence so you know how much room you have. It can help to slide and catch if you are going towards a dangerous area like a fence or dugout. Practice making them go in multiple directions to make the catch.
Most of these catching drills can be made catcher conditioning drills by running them quickly and efficiently. Instead of having the catcher block one ball, have the catcher block five. Work the catcher side to side quickly. Point for the catcher to block instead of using live balls to speed up the pace and improve the catchers conditioning.
As mentioned earlier, each of these drills are fairly simple in nature but it’s important to remember that each individual drill will isolate a specific skill that a catcher needs. As you get better at mastering each of these individual drills, you will progress to a point where you take all of these skills to game day and tie them all together at game speed.
Below are some baseball catching drills that are important at ALL levels of baseball. Even the youngest of catchers need to start hearing about blocking, setting up and their stances. Don’t get me wrong… I don’t expect really young players to be great at these skills, but they need to start hearing the terminology at that age.
The skills & drills below are for the more skilled and older baseball catchers. As a baseball catcher gets older, he must start mastering the basic skills from above and start learning the skills below. Click on each of these to see some drills to improve.
Catching is the most demanding position in baseball. A quick way to improve as a catcher is to improve your strength conditioning and stamina. We have a great catchers workout you can do at home.
Baseball Catchers Workout
Everyday Catcher Home Drills
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Catching Drills for any age – Receiving drills for catchers
In this video, Major League catcher Ryan Lavarnway shares a progressive series of receiving drills for catchers , designed to improve hand strength, hand/eye coordination, receiving angle… and even some framing to get more pitches called in your favor.
A receiving drill for ANY age
A receiving drill for ANY age – Whether you’re a big leaguer like Ryan or just starting out youth catcher, this drill can help the ball STICK in your glove… improves technique, hand strength, glove angle, and even a bit of framing to get more pitches called in your favor! #morestrikes #captainoftheteam
If you haven’t already, pick up Ryan’s cheatsheet for perfect blocking form, click here: http://probaseballinsider.com/perfect-catcher-blocking-checklist-2 to keep those baseballs from getting past you or rolling too far away
Posted by ProBaseballinsider.com on Sunday, February 11, 2018
“What’s going on guys!
I’m Ryan Lavarnway and I’m here with Doug Bernier of Pro Baseball Insider.com, where they provide free baseball tutorials from professional baseball players.
So the first thing I wanted to cover today is a couple of receiving drills for catchers at any age… whether you’re a 5 year old just picking up the game or the things that I do in Major League spring training.
You’re a catcher, so catching the ball is one of your most important jobs, right?
So the first thing is to think about, where do you want to catch the ball in your glove? You want to catch it in the pocket. More specifically, we can train that by using a barehand receiving drill for catchers.
So what we want to do to train that is to take the glove off and work on receiving it these three fingers.
Where to catch the baseball inside your glove – Major League catching instruction
So what we’re going to do for this catching drill is to take of the glove for now, and we’re going to work on bare hand catching drills. Catching the ball with just these 3 fingers. Then we’re going to progress, take it up a notch as you get bigger and stronger.
The progress below goes from beginner to advanced. That’s not to say that you should skip the beginning steps if you are an advanced baseball catcher already. They make a great warm up if you do a few and then move to the next step.
Let’s get started.
Receiving Drills for Catchers
Step 1 – Barehand receiving drill for Catchers
We’re going to practice catching it both strong and soft.
That might sound like opposites, but it’s really not. Another way to say it is to keep your hand still.
Don’t attack the ball. Just receive it.
Don’t stab at the ball, and don’t try to cradle it like an egg. Keep it still, and that is the first step in making it look good.
That is the main thing to focus on in step one – receiving the baseball soft and strong.
Step 2 – Barehand receiving – and framing – drill for Catchers
Umpires have a tendency to call strikes when the ball squares up the catcher. So that’s our job. The next step in using this as a framing drill is to move it slightly – just a little – back toward the strike zone.
Step 3 – Barehand receiving with a golf ball
Restricting your fingers so that you have to catch the ball in the right part of your hand AND at the proper angle. The angle of receiving is probably the number one mistake that I see young catchers making, and this will help with that.
Step #4 – Barehand receiving with two baseballs
This is a drill we do in Major League spring training. It helps to strengthen your hands and get them ready to receive. This will be tough to do for young players with small hands, but if you can, I recommend you try it.
Replace that golf ball in your hand with a baseball, and then work on receiving a 2nd baseball without dropping it.
Again, don’t stab at the baseball (that will lead to mistakes… don’t do that!) Also, don’t try to soften it by bringing it to your body. It’s not an egg. The ball’s not fragile and it’s not going to break. Catchers, focus on receiving soft and strong in these drills.
Step #5 (advanced) – Catch 2 baseballs in one hand
In your receiving position, catch one ball, and then immediately manipulate the first ball into the side of your hand to make room to catch the 2nd ball.
(After doing this, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it feels to catch the ball with your glove on again)
Progression step #6 (advanced) – Catch 3 baseballs in one hand
The final progression of these receiving drills will be tough to do for young players with small hands, but if you can do it, I recommend you try it.
The final, advanced progression of these progressive receiving drills for catchers
Go out there and have fun with this one! It’s a great drill for catchers to work on receiving at the proper angles, instant feedback to improve hand/eye coordination, hand strength, and a bit of framing too.
Did you make it to the final progression? We’d love to see it! Post a video link in the comments, or tag us on Twitter (@lowliners) or Facebook (@probaseballinsider)
Have fun and play hard!
Ryan
—-
Who is Ryan Lavarnway?
Ryan Lavarnway is a Major League catcher. He has played with Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, and Oakland Athletics organizations.
Lavarnway attended Yale University where he studied philosophy and played baseball for the Yale Bulldogs.
In 2007 he was named a Division 1 All-American after setting multiple single season records, and in 2008 he became the Ivy League’s all-time career Home Run record holder.
Lavarnway was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 6th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft. He was named two-time Boston Red Sox Minor League Offensive Player of the Year and rated by Baseball America best defensive catcher in the International league in 2012.
When Lavarnway made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox on August 18, 2011, he became the first player in MLB history to hit two Home Runs and throw out a runner in his first start as a catcher.
In 2013, Lavarnway earned a World Series title and ring with the Boston Red Sox.
Lavarnway was a key member of Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic is 2016 and 2017, earning himself MVP of Pool A of the Tournament.
—-
Would you like a free gift?
Ryan Lavarnway put together a simple tool to help you become a better blocker. This checklist for perfect blocking form can help avoid those embarrassing past balls, and also can help you control the baserunners by keeping blocked balls closer to you.
Just enter your name and email address and we’ll send it to your inbox.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.
About Author
Doug Bernier
Doug Bernier, founder of Pro Baseball Insider.com, debuted in the Major Leagues in 2008 with the Colorado Rockies, and has played professional baseball for 5 organizations (CO Rockies, NY Yankees, PIT Pirates, MN Twins, & TX Rangers) over the past 16 years. He has Major League time at every infield position, and has played every position on the field professionally except for catcher. (You should click to watch this great defensive play by Bernier) Where is he now? After 16 years of playing professionally, Doug retired and took a position as a Major League scout with the Colorado Rockies for 2 years. Currently Doug is the Data and Game Planning Coordinator with the Colorado Rockies
11 Best Baseball Catching Drills
Being an elite catcher begins with strong training habits. Catching drills can cover a variety of areas including blocking skills, throwing advice and other traits associated with the position. Discover more with these 11 essential catcher workouts as you aim to become a better backstop this baseball season.
Receiving the Ball
One of the main duties of a catcher is receiving the pitch. To do this properly, you’ll want to have soft hands and a firm wrist. Improve your receiving game and maximize your performance with this simple drill.
Throwing Advice
Catchers work hard to keep their opponent’s running game short. Success in this position can come down to having the proper throwing technique. Use these tips to keep your arm in top shape so you can manage opponents on the base paths.
How to Properly Block a Ball
To stop wild pitches, you need toughness and agility to prevent the ball from ricocheting out of reach. That starts with getting into the right position. Build your skills and become a wall behind the dish with these drills and tips.
How to Block and Recover with Runners on Base
Recovering from a block is a key skill for any catcher who wants to keep precise control of their opponent’s running game. This can help keep opposing runners from advancing to another base or reaching base on a dropped third strike. Get ready for the task with these catching drills.
The Barehand Receiving Drill
A top priority for catchers, naturally, is catching the ball. However, there’s more to this skill than receiving the incoming pitch. Stress the importance of rock-solid reception with this helpful catching drill.
The Barehand Rapid-Fire Drill
Working on your receiving skills is necessary to dominate at catcher. Your glove hand should be strong and able to receive pitches at all locations. Add some speed to your catching drills with the help of this fast-paced training tool behind the plate.
Setup Closer to the Hitter
Location is crucial to pitchers and catchers. That’s why setting up closer to the hitter is important to preserving the true nature of each pitch. Aim to steal more strikes for your battery mate with these catching workout tips.
The Line Footwork Drill
As a catcher, it’s important to ensure every detail is correct when throwing to a base. Popping up from your stance and gaining ground while keeping your feet in-line can help you start the process off on the right foot. Look to improve your footwork with this exercise and lay the foundation for another successful putout.
The Handing Ball Footwork Drill
There’s a lot of moving parts in a catcher’s throwing process. Because of this symphony of movement, it can be difficult to break down form to pinpoint areas of improvement. That’s why the handing ball footwork drill can be a beneficial training tool to give you a better look at what drives your throws from the catcher’s box.
Hip and Ankle Flexibility
Being flexible on the baseball field can help you in multiple ways. Catchers can benefit from being limber behind the plate. Find out how keeping these key joints flexible can help improve your backstop skills with these Pro Tips.
The Line Blocking Drill
For catchers, being able to block the ball effectively is a necessary skill to have on the field. A good block can help your pitcher’s confidence and help keep baserunners from advancing easily. Become a better backstop this season and improve your blocking capabilities with this helpful training exercise.
With these catching drills, you can be well on your way to defensive dominance. Keep your training fresh and effective with this Pro Tips collection.
Want to keep your offensive game as potent as your defense? Use this Pro Tips collection of the 15 best hitting drills for baseball to develop your next all-star swing.
Improve Fundamentals With These Baseball Catcher Drills
Baseball catchers, from little league to the majors, have the same tasks: receive pitches, block balls in the dirt, throw out base runners, and keep the entire team ready on each play. All catchers, no matter what their level, must develop their receiving stance. This will be uncomfortable for beginners, tough for intermediate players, and on occasion cause advanced catchers to experience soreness during spring training.
These baseball catcher drills progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced. They should be performed in order while wearing y0ur equipment. When they come to train with us, we take each catcher regardless of age through each level. The fundamentals of receiving, blocking, and throwing are the same for all levels.
These drills should be included in each catcher’s workout or practice plan. A good catcher can make a bad pitcher look good, and a bad catcher can make a good pitcher look bad.
RELATED: Block More Pitches With These Baseball Catcher Drills
Beginner Baseball Catcher Drills
Receiving Drills
Tennis Ball Barehanded: Coach tosses a tennis ball to the catcher without a glove on. Catcher should work on having soft hands and just catch the ball
Receiving Baseballs from a Short Distance: Coach tosses baseballs to the catcher with a glove on from 10-12 feet away
Blocking Drills
3-Ball Drill: Place three baseballs in front of the catcher and demonstrate how to move in order to block each baseball successfully.
Coaching cue: Catcher should land on knees, glove between knees, bare hand behind mitt, and chin tucked into chest.
Tennis Balls: Coach bounces the ball in front of the catcher to demonstrate how to be aggressive when blocking. Beginner catchers have a tendency to turn away from the ball. The key to this drill is for the catcher to watch the ball all the way in to the chest. Keeping the head in line with and focused on the ball allows the face mask to cover the neck of the catcher. If the catcher turns his head, the risk of getting hit in the throat increases. Use the chest protector to keep the ball in front. The glove should drop down between the knees, with the catcher’s throwing hand behind the mitt. This creates a “wall” for the ball to stay in front of the catcher. Beginners become confident with tennis balls, then move to baseballs for this drill.
RELATED: 2 Drills That Will Make You a Better Catcher
Throwing Drill
Footwork to Second Base: Beginner catchers should learn proper footwork toward the base where they are throwing the baseball. We use a T (in tape on the ground) to work on footwork to second base. The catcher’s feet should land on the bottom line of the T with his throwing foot landing first, then the glove foot.
Coaching tip: Let the catcher work through this drill finding balance/athletic stance from which to throw.
Intermediate Baseball Catcher Drills
Receiving Drills
Tennis Ball Barehanded: Coach throws a tennis ball to the catcher without a glove on. Catcher should work on receiving the ball between his thumb and index finger.
Receiving Baseballs From a Short Distance: Coach throws baseballs to the catcher with a glove on from 14-16 feet away.
Receiving Baseballs From a Pitching Machine: Coach sets the machine at a speed comparable to game speed.
Blocking Drills
Tennis Balls: Coach bounces the ball in front of the catcher to teach him to catch the baseball. Intermediate catchers are challenged to “absorb” the tennis ball, trying to make their body soft when the ball makes contact with their body. We tape a semicircle 5 feet in front of the catcher and challenge him to keep the ball inside that perimeter. This allows him to get to the baseball quicker when a runner attempts to steal a base on a ball thrown in the dirt.
Gain Ground: Catcher gets into receiving stance. Coach points right, left, or straight down, directing the catcher to get into a blocking position and immediately bounce back up into a receiving stance.
Throwing Drills
Footwork to Bases: Intermediate catchers work on throwing to each base, starting with the ball in his mitt. Coach walks around the catcher and offers cues. Coaching cues are to make sure the catcher maintains balance throughout his footwork to each base while working on transferring the ball from the mitt to the bare hand.
Advanced Baseball Catcher Drills
Receiving Drills
Baseball Barehanded: Coach tosses a baseball to the catcher without a glove on. Catcher should receive the ball between his thumb and index finger.
Receiving Baseballs From a Pitching Machine: Coach sets the machine at a speed faster than game speed.
3-Man Quick Hands: Coach plus two other players have five baseballs and stand in a semicircle in front of the catcher, approximately 12 feet away. The player on one side throws a ball to the catcher, then the middle guy, then the guy on the other side throws a ball. The speed of this drill can become extremely quick with more advanced catchers.
Coaching cue: Catcher should receive each pitch, drop the ball and immediately focus on the next ball.
RELATED: Multipurpose Agility Drill for Catchers
Blocking Drills
Blocking Without a Mitt: Catcher places his hands behind his back. This trains him to use his chest protector to block the ball.
Coaching cue: Bounce the ball far enough in front of the catcher so it takes a long hop. Short hops can result in the baseball hitting the catcher in a painful area.
Block It and Get up: This teaches the catcher how to block the ball and bounce up quickly to get to the baseball.
Coaching cue: 10 repetitions, then let the catcher rest while another catcher performs the drill.
Throwing Drills
Footwork to Bases: Advanced catchers need to focus on reducing the time it takes to catch and release the baseball. The “touch to release” goal for our catchers is under eight tenths of a second.
Throwing From Knees: Yes, we work with our catchers on throwing to all three bases from their knees. There will be times in a game when the pitch is low or in the dirt, and throwing from their knees may be the only option. This drill also focuses on the transfer of the ball from mitt to throwing hand.
For more catching information check out Xan Barksdale’s website.
Photo Credit: Getty Images // Thinkstock
One Knee Throwing | Two catchers kneel 30 feet apart on their left knees. After throwing the ball back and forth for a few minutes, they move apart 10 more feet. Continue throwing and moving back until the throws equal the distance from home to second base. Emphasize proper shoulder and hip turn to gain strength. Drill can be done with catchers kneeling on both knees as well. |
Quick Hands/ Framing | Catcher 1 throws tennis balls, incrediballs, or softballs from 20 to 30 feet to catcher 2. The balls are thrown high, low, inside, and outside. The balls should be thrown close enough to the “plate” so that foot movement is not necessary. Catchers should practice framing the pitch. |
Quick Feet | Catcher 1 throws tennis balls, incrediballs, or softballs from 20 to 30 feet to catcher 2. The balls are thrown inside and outside, high and in the dirt. Catcher 2 takes jab steps to the left and right attempting to get the middle of the body in front of the ball. If using softballs or incrediballs, catchers should be in full gear. |
Quick Release | Catchers position themselves 60 to 70 feet apart. Catcher 1 squats with ball in glove, then simulates a catch and throwdown to 2B. Catcher 2 blocks the “plate” as she receives the ball and applies the tag as if a runner is trying to score at home plate. Catcher 2 then squats with ball in glove and simulates throwdown to 2B. Continue for 10 to 15 minutes. |
No Hands Blocking | Two catchers in full equipment stand about 20 to 30 feet apart. Catcher 1 throws balls in the dirt to the left, right and in front of “home.” Catcher 2 practices blocking the wild pitches with shin guards and chest protector using proper technique and footwork only. |
Fielding Bunts | Put catchers or other fielders at each base. Put six balls in front of home plate. First catcher pops up, fields “bunt” and throws to 1B, 2B, and 3B, in turn, returning to the defensive position after each throw. Repeat second set to each base and then rotate to next catcher. |
Steal Attempts | Place two or more runners with helmets at 1B and 2B. Put two or more shortstops in position with second basemen as backups optional. Put a pitcher on the mound. On the release of the pitch, runner on 1B tries to steal 2B and catcher 1 tries to throw her out. Everyone returns to positions. On the next pitch, runner on 2B tries to steal 3B and catcher 1 tries to throw her out. Repeat several times and then rotate catchers and shortstops. |
Tag Play at Home | Place one or more catchers at home and three to six outfielders spaced evenly around the outfield. Give each outfielder one ball. First outfielder rolls ball a few feet in front, picks it up and makes a strong throw to home with catcher 1 simulating a tag; outfielder should end up at the edge of the outfield grass after throw. Catcher then squats facing outfielder and rises to throw ball simulating a long throw to second base. After each outfielder has thrown one ball, catchers rotate. Drill can also be performed with infielders at their positions. |
Pick Off Play | Put infielders and pitcher at their positions and 3 or 4 runners at 1B and 3B. Pitcher pitches ball to catcher; on release of pitch, runner on 1B takes aggressive lead while second baseman breaks hard to 1B. Catcher tries to pick off runner. Shortstop covers 2B; runner attempts to dive back to 1B or breaks to 2B and gets into a rundown. Repeat with runner on 3B with shortstop covering. First baseman and third baseman should play well in front of the bag so runners are enticed to take bigger leads. After 4 throws, rotate catchers. |
Foul Ball Communi- cation | Put catcher, pitcher, first baseman and third baseman at respective positions. Coach is positioned behind catcher. Coach throws a pop up behind catcher. Infielders call “up 1” if towards 1B, “up 3” if towards 3B, “up” if ball is straight over home, and “back” if ball is straight back. The coach can substitute other calls if desired. |
Cut-Off Communi- cation | Put infielders at their defensive positions. Put three to six outfielders with one ball each, evenly spaced 10 to 20 feet beyond the edge of the outfield grass. Pitcher (or first baseman) moves to cut-off position in front of outfielder 1 who throws ball on a line to home. Catcher yells “cut” and the base number to tell the cut-off to throw to a base (e.g., “cut 2”). Catcher says nothing if she wants the ball to come through. Continue until each outfielder has thrown three balls. Rotate catchers. |
Catcher Flip to Home | Put catcher behind plate with six balls evenly spaced at backstop distance. On signal, catcher goes to first ball and flips it to the pitcher or first baseman covering home. Catcher returns to plate and runs down remaining balls in turn. Catcher should retrieve ball with bare hand and flip it in one motion along the ground so the player covering home can apply the tag smoothly. Emphasize pitcher/first baseman’s positioning as much as catcher’s technique. |
1st and 3rd Situation #1 | Place runners with helmets at 1B and 3B. On pitch release, runner steals 2B. Second baseman moves to a position halfway between 2B and pitcher’s rubber. Shortstop covers 2B; third baseman covers 3B. Catcher looks at 3B and throws there or to 2B if runner stays close to 3B. Second baseman watches runner on 3B; if she moves off base enough to get out, second baseman cuts and throws to 3B. Second baseman cuts off-line throws. She fakes catch and throw to 3B if she allows ball to go through. |
1st and 3rd Situation #2 | Place runners with helmets at 1B and 3B. On pitch, runner steals 2B. Second baseman should move to cut-off position and shortstop covers 2B; third baseman covers 3B. Catcher looks at 3B and throws there or to pitcher if runner stays close to 3B. Pitcher looks at runner on 3B; if she moves back to 3B, pitcher turns to look at runner going to 2B and throws for the out if there is a play. Key is for catcher to make aggressive throw to pitcher to tempt runner on 3B to break to home. If pitcher turns toward 2B, but makes no attempt at play and runner on 3B steps off the base, she is, by rule, out. |
Youth Catcher Development by Hustle Training
Besides the pitcher, no player in baseball touches the ball more than the catcher. Catching is often cited as the backbone of a solid defense. Youth catchers may face a tougher learning curve than other positional players due to the importance and the complexity of the position. Today, we will review how to select a catcher for your youth baseball team, the fundamentals of catching, some useful drills, and how young catchers can work with pitchers to call a great game.
Who Should Play Catcher in Youth Baseball?
As referenced in the introduction, catchers are instrumental to good team defense in baseball. Not every young player is suited for the position. Here are some high level tangible and intangibles to look for when selecting a catcher for your youth team:
Catchers should be right handed. At the youth level, it is possible for a lefty to catch, but at higher levels left handed throwers are not likely to see the field as a catcher.
A strong arm is a must. A key tool for all catchers is the ability to throw out runners on the basepaths. This type of player may be different than a player who can throw well from the outfield, so try young arms out from behind the plate to evaluate arm talent.
Athleticism and blocking pitches are key. Throwing runners out may make headlines, but the nitty gritty of the catching position is keeping balls from hitting the backstop. It is also important that young players are able to assume the catching stance and move adequately over the course of a game.
The Fundamentals of the Catcher’s Position
Disclaimer: there is no way to cover all of the fundamentals of the catcher position in a single blog post. Working with a coach or trainer is advisable. With that in mind, here are some high level concepts for youth catchers and their coaches to work on:
- Assuming and maintaining the proper crouch behind the plate
- Presenting a target to the pitcher
- Catching pitches in and out of the zone
- Calling pitches
- Blocking balls in the dirt
- Throwing to second base
- Fielding bunted balls
- Fielding pop flies behind home plate
- Framing pitches
- Much more
Youth Baseball Catching Drills
Now that we have covered the fundamentals of catching, how can young baseball players develop their skills and improve at the position? It is likely obvious at this point that catching is an extremely demanding position. There are hundreds of drills available which can serve the goals of youth athletes. Here are some of our picks which are effective for catchers of all ages.
Tennis ball drill (soft hands, receiving the pitch) – Catcher’s mitts are unforgiving. They are stiff and full of padding. Catchers must have soft hands to receive pitches with confidence. To learn this, have catchers receive pitched tennis balls with no gloves of any kind. Players will be forced to see the pitch in without “stabbing” at the ball.
Bunt drill (infield fielding) – Youth players may not be stealing bases like the pros, but they will certainly see their fair share of bunts and dribblers hit a few feet past home plate. Practice by rolling balls to the first base line, third base line, and back to the pitcher. It is important that the full infield is present as well to learn communication.
Blocking drill (fielding wild pitches) – Another key fundamental for catchers is keeping the ball in front of them. This is another drill where tennis balls can be used dependant on the age and ability level of the youth athlete(s). Essentially, coaches can throw all manner of wild pitches and teach catchers the proper footwork and body positioning to block the ball and prevent runners from advancing.
The Art of Calling a Game as a Catcher
From a very young age, many pitchers develop an arsenal of pitches. While breaking balls (link to breaking ball article) may be off the menu until later years, pitchers and catchers must be on the same page in terms of pitch selection and location. Some coaches choose to call the game from the dugout. Whether catchers are calling pitches for Nolan Ryan or their 8 year old pitcher with one pitch, the art of calling the game is an artform which can be developed over time.
Young pitchers and catchers should work together in practice to develop a chemistry on the field. Catchers should learn the basic signals to the pitcher, and understand when to cycle through them if they are shaken off. Over time, young catchers can learn when to call for certain pitches, how to read opposing hitters, and other advanced techniques. Catchers of all ages should strive to make their pitcher’s day as productive as possible.
Develop Catching Skills with Hustle Training
Pittsburgh startup Hustle Training is quickly rising to one of the most popular sports drill apps out there. Their website, along with their mobile app puts players and coaches at the top of their game by providing skilled workouts and drills crafted by coaches, trainers, and professional athletes, and informative articles to take your team to the next level.
90,000 Where to send applications for the capture of stray animals?
Everyone loves animals, but few are ready to take responsibility for their upbringing. Alas, because of this, our four-legged friends find themselves on the street. They are then called homeless, wandering and – often mistakenly – rabid.
Where to send applications for the capture of stray animals? How to draw it up correctly?
Information about the places of accumulation of stray dogs – they terrify residents more than cats – should be sent to the Oryol City Station for Combating Animal Diseases.This is a subordinate institution of the Veterinary Directorate of the Oryol Region, which is entrusted with the authority to capture stray animals in our region.
In order for the appeal to bring a result, it should be correctly stated .
Indicate number of individuals , describe them as accurately as possible . List habitats of dogs. If you often go to these places – the time is , when the dogs are in sight.
Here’s a good example: “Good afternoon! My name is Ivanov Ivan Ivanovich. Today, March 15, 2020, at 15.30 in the area of the “Vegetables” store on the street. A pack of seven dogs walked as a vegetable. Four – with yellow hair, the size of a shepherd dog, one of them is lame. Another is black, about the size of a poodle, with a white spot on the belly. Two more are puppies, one is yellow-bellied, and the body is white, the other is black. I often walk around this area during the day, I see these dogs from 14.00 to 16.00 stably. I assume that they live on the heating main behind the store.Here is my contact number + 7 (777) 777 77 77 – just in case, for communication. ”
Laconic, to the point, understandable! If there is a photo – even better!
Where to send this information? To e-mail [email protected] . In the subject line, be sure to indicate “Capturing stray animals” .
What happens to stray animals next?
The resident sent an application for the capture of stray animals, what next? Explained Irina Gazukina, head of BU PA “Oryol city station for combating animal diseases” .
Each application is registered and transmitted to the contractor – a contractor, which, on the basis of contractual relations with the Oryol City Station for the Fight against Animal Diseases, produces trapping.
The contractor, in turn, goes to the site and captures individuals. Sometimes several trips are required for one application – animals do not sit in one place.
Then the animals are sent to the overexposure points.First, in the one in the village. Zvyaginki of the Oryol region, where they are quarantined for 10 days. Then for another 11 days at the overexposure point in the village of Bolotovskie dvory, Oryol region.
In the last resort, animals are sterilized and vaccinated against rabies, and then returned to their original habitat – with an identifying yellow mark on the ear.
Note that the current legislation does not provide for liability for feeding stray animals.
____________________________________
Do you have a question, the answer to which may be of interest to other townspeople? Address it to the private messages of the Oryol administration on the social networks “Instagram”, “Vkontakte” or “Facebook” marked “Useful information” .
90,000 PROCEDURE for trapping stray pets in the Ulyanovsk region
PROCEDURE for trapping stray pets on the territory of the Ulyanovsk region
APPROVED by the resolution of the Government of the Ulyanovsk region _________________________ |
ORDER
capture of stray pets
on the territory of the Ulyanovsk region
1.This Procedure was developed in order to prevent threats to human life and health, prevent epidemics and eliminate their consequences, as well as prevent and eliminate animal diseases, protect the population from diseases common to humans and animals, establish the rules for trapping neglected domestic animals, namely dogs and cats. (hereinafter – animals) on the territory of the Ulyanovsk region, in accordance with the Law of the Ulyanovsk region of 07.10.2010 No. 157-ZO “On the regulation of certain issues in the field of keeping pets and the treatment of neglected pets in the Ulyanovsk region” and is intended for:
– isolation of animals that pose a threat to human life and health;
– providing a set of measures for the prevention of infectious diseases, human and animal bites.
2. Catching of animals – the activity of individuals and legal entities with special equipment, techniques and means for catching, isolating, killing and disposing of neglected domestic animals.
3. Animals that are on the streets and in other public places without an accompanying person are subject to capture.
4. Trapping of animals is carried out by individuals and legal entities determined by the local authorities of the Ulyanovsk region on a competitive basis, in accordance with the legislation on the protection of competition and placing orders, with the necessary equipment, transport and specially trained personnel (hereinafter – the catching teams).
5. Measures for the capture of stray animals are carried out at the request of organizations and citizens according to the schedules formed in accordance with the requests.
6. The main method of trapping is the method of immobilization (temporary paralysis), which is carried out by firing a pneumatic weapon using special means registered in the manner prescribed by law.
7.The population should be informed about the beginning and the period of validity of trapping measures through the mass media in advance (at least 3 days in advance).
8. Trapping teams are formed from persons who have undergone safety instructions when working with animals and are allowed to work with pharmaceuticals of groups “A” and “B”.
9. Persons who are not registered in neuropsychiatric and narcological dispensaries (hereinafter referred to as catchers) are allowed to work on trapping.
10. Catchers are obliged to observe the principles of humane treatment of pets and observe generally accepted standards of morality.
11. Catchers are vaccinated and revaccinated against rabies.
12. Before catching an animal, the fisherman must make sure that there is no person accompanying the animal.
13. When trapping by immobilization, a shot is made only at a clearly visible target, perpendicular to the target plane to prevent the projectile ricochet from sliding contact with the target.
14. Catchers are strictly prohibited:
– to catch animals in the presence of children;
– to appropriate the captured animals, sell and transfer them to individuals and organizations;
– exceed the dosage of special agents for temporary immobilization recommended by the instructions for use of the veterinary drug;
– when capturing stray dogs and cats using the immobilization method, shoot at an obscurely visible target (in the bushes, in poor lighting, etc.)shooting along narrow spaces, shooting at a distance of more than 10 meters from the target, shooting from vehicles, as well as shooting in the direction in which there are people;
– to cruelly treat animals while capturing them.
15. Trapping teams must deliver the captured animals to the institutions of the state veterinary service of the Ulyanovsk region or to overexposure points (if any) on the day of capture to exclude quarantine and especially dangerous diseases.
16. A specialist of a state veterinary institution immediately after a clinical examination of each animal issues a written conclusion on the presence or absence of quarantine and especially dangerous diseases in an animal, the list of which is approved by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation No. 81 of 05/17/2005, its disposal or destruction in the form according to the application. The conclusion is issued free of charge.
17. Disposal or destruction of animal corpses is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the veterinary and sanitary rules for the collection, disposal and destruction of biological waste, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Russian Federation dated 04.12.1995 No. 13-7-2 / 469.
18. Animals with suspicion of especially dangerous diseases are placed in a quarantine department (isolation ward), healthy captured neglected animals are returned to their owners by the capture brigade, and unclaimed animals are transferred to temporary detention centers, shelters or released into the natural environment, outside the boundaries of playgrounds and sports grounds , territories of educational organizations, healthcare organizations and public catering.
APPENDIX to the decree of the Government of the Ulyanovsk region |
Conclusion
on the presence or absence of especially dangerous and quarantine diseases in an animal, its disposal or destruction
By me ______________________________________________________________
(position of an employee of the state veterinary service, surname, name, patronymic)
in the presence of a representative of the catching team __________________________
(last name, first name, patronymic)
a clinical examination of the animal was carried out.As a result of the inspection, it was found:
______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Based on the results of the inspection, a conclusion is issued:
o The animal has signs of especially dangerous and quarantine diseases
o The animal has no signs of especially dangerous and quarantine diseases
o The animal is to be killed and disposed of.
Date Signature
90,000 Contact phone number of the service for capturing animals without owners on the territory of the city of Langepas
10 November 2020
Contact phone number of the service for trapping animals without owners
Contact phone number of the service for capturing animals without owners on the territory of the city of Langepas
Catching animals without owners on the territory of the city of Langepas has been carried out by the individual entrepreneur Alexander Nikolayevich Matveev since June 2020.Catching is carried out at the request of citizens.
Applications for capturing animals without owners are accepted by phone: 89227626930
Responsible for receiving applications:
Planida Ivan Vladimirovich, head of the department of ecology, natural resources and non-resource sector of the economy of the administration of the city of Langepas.
Muravyova Oksana Aleksandrovna – chief specialist of the department of ecology, natural resources and non-resource sector of the economy of the administration of the city of Langepas.
And by calling the Unified Dispatch Service (EDDS) on tel. 112.
In accordance with Article 1 of the Law of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra dated 10.12.2019 No. 89-oz “On endowing local self-government bodies of municipalities of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra with a separate state authority for the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra on the organization of events in the implementation of activities for the treatment of animals without owners ”local self-government bodies of municipalities of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Ugra are endowed with a separate state authority to organize 10.11.2020 events in the implementation of activities for the treatment of animals without owners.
In the city of Langepas, the authorized body in the field of handling animals without owners is the department of ecology, natural resources and non-resource sector of the economy of the administration of the city of Langepas.
Instruction on behavior when meeting dogs without owners
• Never approach a stranger’s dog if its owner is not nearby;
• Do not touch your dog when it is eating or guarding someone – especially your puppies;
• Do not wake a sleeping dog out of the blue for her;
• Do not frighten the dogs, do not throw stones or other objects at them;
• Do not offer food to your dog, especially from the hands;
• Do not turn your back to the dog;
• Small children should not be left alone with any dog;
• Do not try to pet an unfamiliar dog;
• Do not make sudden movements while interacting with the dog or its owner.
Remember, if there is a threat of an animal attack, then:
– do not run away from the dog, if possible, press your back against a wall or fence, try not to fall;
– Confidently and loudly give several commands: “Stand”, “Place”, “Fu” or “Lie” – this can lead the dog into confusion;
– meet the attack of the dog, standing not facing it, but slightly turning sideways;
– the dog’s gaze is always directed to the place that it wants to bite, you need to try to dodge and knock it down at the moment of the jump.
90,000 Information on trapping animals without owners
03/17/2021 17:00:53
Activities for the treatment of animals without owners are carried out in accordance with:
– with the Federal Law of December 27, 2018 No. 498-FZ “On the Responsible Treatment of Animals and on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation”;
– with the Order of the Veterinary Service of the Irkutsk Region dated 26.12.2019 No. 68-spr “On approval of the Procedure for the implementation of activities for the treatment of animals without owners on the territory of the Irkutsk region”;
– with the Order of the Veterinary Service of the Irkutsk Region dated December 28, 2019 No. 69-spr “On approval of the Procedure for organizing the activities of animal shelters and standards for keeping animals in them.”
The law of the Irkutsk region “On the vesting of local self-government bodies with certain regional state powers in the field of treatment of stray dogs and cats in the Irkutsk region” No. 110-OZ dated 09.12.2013 the municipality of the city of Bratsk was endowed with regional state powers in the field of treatment of stray dogs and cats.
Trips to catch animals without owners are carried out in all districts of the city: Central, Padunsky, Pravoberezhny at the request of residents of the city.
To carry out work on capturing animals without owners on the territory of the city of Bratsk, it is necessary to submit an application in writing or orally to the Committees for the management of territorial areas of the administration of the city of Bratsk.
Applications for trapping are accepted by specialists of the Committees for the management of territorial areas of the administration of the city of Bratsk by the following phones:
Tsentralny district 349-711,
Padunsky district 349-742,
Pravoberezhny district 349-792.
On the territory of the city of Bratsk there are grounds for walking pets:
Central region: 2, 9, 10, 14, 15 microdistricts;
Padunsky district, railway Power engineer in front of the buildings: on the street.Pirogov, 8; st. Pogodaeva, 1; st. Primorskaya, 31;
Pravoberezhny district: opposite a residential building on the street. Factory, 9
Organizations involved in the treatment of animals without owners
No. | Organization name | Address | Contact details |
1 | BGOO “Sports and tribal center” Triumph “ | g.Bratsk, st. Thermal, 1 | +7 (3953) 29-73-92 +7 902-179-73-92 |
Shelter-hotel “Grand Mukhtar” | |||
2 | Shelter “Druzhok” | Bratsk, st. Communal, 7A | +7 924-60-19-115 +7 952-61-21-383 +7 (3953) 44-51-25 |
3 | BGBOO “Give Dobro” Shelter “Good Hands” | g.Bratsk, p. Builder, 141 | +7 (3953) 29-51-51 +7 902-179-90-81 |
4 | Autonomous non-profit organization “Bratsk animal shelter” Cat and Dog “ | Bratsk, st. Pikhtovaya, 50 | +7 902 -179-79-19 |
5 | Shelter “White Bim” | g.Bratsk, st. Khabarova, 17 | +7 902-579-96-13 |
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