Introduction to Jen Schro and Her Softball Catching System
Jen Schro is a former Division 1 softball player and highly respected catching coach known for developing The Fundamental catching system. Her innovative techniques and training programs have helped thousands of catchers maximize their potential on the field. Though Schro played at the highest collegiate level, she struggled with the nuances of catching early in her career. Her experiences fueled a passion for identifying the optimal mechanics and skills every catcher needs to succeed. Schro worked relentlessly to break down catching into its fundamental components – the core techniques, footwork, mental approach, and training methodology that allow catchers to gain complete control behind the plate.
After working with youth, high school, and college teams and refining her system, Schro began offering elite catching clinics and private lessons. Her clients include Olympians and national team players. Schro also created training gear and aids under the Fundamental brand to allow catchers to hone their skills anywhere. Her Fundamental catching system trains players on:
Proper Stance
The foundation of strong catching starts with the stance. Schro teaches an athletic stance with the feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and weight balanced. This allows catchers to move laterally, block balls in the dirt, and pop up for errant throws. Schro focuses on footwork drills to ingrain muscle memory so catchers instinctively get their feet in the right position.
Blocking
Blocking is vital to control wild pitches and passed balls. Schro breaks down proper glove placement, leg positioning, and movements to keep the ball in front. Her blocking drills focus on quick feet, getting low, and keeping the chest facing the field. Schro teaches how to choose between backhand and forehand blocking based on ball location.
Throwing Mechanics
Catchers must make strong, accurate throws to control the run game. Schro teaches throwing from the knee to isolate the arm motion. Her throwing system focuses on proper grip, keeping the elbow above the shoulder, and following through to the target. Schro’s drills develop quick feet to get in perfect throwing position and strong arm muscles.
Receiving
Controlling the strike zone starts with receiving. Schro teaches how to present a quiet, stable target for pitchers. She focuses on catching the ball with soft hands and shifting the body to frame pitches. Receiving drills develop the ability to handle velocity and movement. Schro trains catchers to receive both high and low pitches using correct hand positioning.
Framing
Framing transforms borderline pitches into strikes. Schro teaches how to turn the glove and subtly move the body to influence the umpire’s perspective. Her framing drills focus on quick hands to catch, shift, and freeze in perfect framing position. Schro trains catchers to frame inside and outside pitches while staying relaxed through the process.
Blocking Pitches in the Dirt
Controlling wayward pitches prevents passed balls and limits wild pitches. Schro teaches reading pitch trajectory to anticipate drops or bounces. Her blocking technique keeps the chest square to the field while quickly dropping the glove. Schro’s specialized blocking gear trains catchers to keep their eyes on the ball and move efficiently into blocking position.
Handling Foul Tips
Foul tips often sail behind or around catchers. Schro teaches tracking the ball into the glove in one smooth motion. Her drills focus on peripheral vision to pick up late deflections. Schro trains flexibility and lateral mobility to reach foul tips. Proper glove angle and wrist snapping create a deep pocket to contain foul tips.
Fielding Bunts
Controlling bunts limits cheap hits and innings-extending plays. Schro teaches efficient footwork to gain ground toward first base. Her system focuses on fielding the ball cleanly while moving forward. For drag bunts, Schro trains shuffling down the line while catching the ball in front of the body before transitioning to a throw.
Backpicking
Backpicking is crucial for controlling the run game. Schro teaches tracking the lead runner while receiving the pitch. Her quick backpick transfer drills focus on prepping the throwing hand behind the back smoothly. Schro trains flexibility and torso rotation to make strong, accurate backpick throws to catch runners leaning.
Calling Games
Calling the right pitches and sequences is vital to guide pitchers. Schro teaches reading hitters, understanding situations, and setting up counts. Her system focuses on calling pitches with conviction and setting a tempo. Schro also trains mentoring young pitchers on reading batters and making adjustments.
Mental Approach
Catching requires immense mental focus and toughness. Schro teaches how to maintain intensity, block out distractions, and overcome failure. Her mental training drills prepare catchers to endure pain, fatigue, and pressure. Schro focuses on positive self-talk, controlling emotions, and visualizing success.
By breaking down every aspect of catching into component skills and techniques, Jen Schro’s Fundamental system trains well-rounded catchers. Her detailed catching curriculum combined with elite coaching allows athletes to gain complete command behind the plate. Schro’s Fundamental catching system truly unlocks catchers’ full potential.
The Fundamentals of Proper Stance for Catchers
A catcher’s stance is the foundation for success, as it determines balance, mobility, and readiness. Jen Schro’s Fundamental catching system emphasizes mastering proper stance mechanics to unlock a catcher’s potential. Schro teaches an athletic stance with feet about shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and weight centered. This checks all the boxes:
Balance – With a shoulder-width, staggered stance, catchers can move laterally or drop instantly while keeping balance. Widening the stance too far compromises equilibrium and reaction time.
Mobility – Bent knees allow dropping into a squat smoothly to receive low pitches or block balls in the dirt. Straight legs reduce mobility and make it harder to spring up from the crouch.
Readiness – Weight centered over the balls of the feet with bent knees puts catchers in a ready athletic position. Leaning forward shifts weight to the toes, slowing reaction time.
Schro fine-tunes stances by analyzing catchers on their toes. She identifies specific adjustments to optimize each catcher’s strength and flexibility for peak performance. For example, some catchers benefit from closing their stance to stay balanced on uneven terrain. Others need feet wider apart to drive low powerfully when throwing down to second.
Stance training starts with no equipment to ingrain proper form. Schro uses repetition of holding the stance, dropping into a squat, and rising back up smoothly. Her catchers do this repeatedly until it becomes natural and effortless. Schro then incorporates resistance bands to strengthen the core and legs for maintaining the stance through games and seasons.
Footwork drills while in the stance build muscle memory. Side-to-side shuffles train responsiveness while keeping shoulders square. Quick drops into a squat and pops back up develop explosive leg power. Sudden lateral steps and crossover steps mimic in-game movements like backpicking.
Mastering the mechanics of stance gives catchers a solid foundation. From youth leagues through college, catchers with a dialed-in athletic stance can receive, block, throw, and move with confidence. A proper balanced stance keeps catchers controlled and active behind the plate. Just like in real estate, stance is all about location, location, location for catchers.
Perfecting Your Blocking Skills with The Fundamental
Blocking is a vital skill for controlling wild pitches and preventing passed balls. Jen Schro’s Fundamental catching system breaks down proper blocking technique into fundamental components that catchers can master.
Schro teaches that effective blocking starts with getting your body in the right position. Optimal blocking stance is low, with feet shoulder-width apart, glove out front, and chest square to the plate. This athletic position provides stability, mobility, and protection.
The key is being on the balls of your feet in a crouch. This allows catchers to react instantly to block balls in the dirt in any direction. Remaining upright makes it harder to drop down quickly enough to keep the ball in front.
Glove placement is also critical. Schro instructs catchers to extend the glove hand in front of the body, with the palm facing the ground. This presents the best blocking surface while protecting the face. Placing the glove down by the side makes blocking balls to that side harder.
Footwork is crucial as well. Schro teaches catchers to shuffle step laterally to block outside pitches. For low pitches between the legs, dropping straight down quickly gets the glove in position. Limiting crossovers removes wasted motion.
Schro’s blocking drills develop muscle memory by repeatedly blocking tennis balls tossed from close range on both forehand and backhand sides. This ingrains efficient blocking footwork and glove positioning.
Another key is keeping the chest and eyes facing the field even when dropping quickly to block. This allows continuing to track the ball and make secondary reaction plays if needed. Turning the shoulders compromises vision and readiness to make a play.
Strength training enhances blocking prowess. Schro uses resistance bands to build leg power for dropping into a block and holding the stance. Core strength keeps the torso stable during low blocking.
Mastering proper blocking technique gives catchers confidence in their ability to smother wayward pitches in the dirt. Quick feet, correct glove positioning, and staying square are the fundamentals of effective blocking. Schro’s blocking drills develop blocking into an instinctive reaction behind the dish.
Throwing Mechanics – How to Make Accurate Throws
Throwing out runners is vital to controlling the run game, and it starts with proper throwing mechanics. Jen Schro’s Fundamental system focuses on building catchers’ throwing from the ground up.
Schro breaks down throwing into discrete steps that catchers can perfect. It begins in the stance, with hands relaxed at chest level and elbow above the shoulder. This launch position allows catchers to grip and rip throws with immediacy.
The transfer starts with the elbow leading the motion. Schro teaches rotating the elbow up and back in one swift motion to grab the ball from the glove. Keeping the throwing hand behind the back protects the shoulder while generating torque.
Footwork is key as well. Stepping toward the target with the front foot opens the hips to pull power from the legs. Rotation of the back foot propels momentum into the throw.
Wrist snap and follow through finish the throwing process. Snapping the wrist during release imparts spin for accuracy. Following through to the target ensures maximum energy transfer for velocity.
Schro has catchers isolate the arm motion by throwing from their knees. This grooves proper throwing mechanics minus the lower body. It ingrains the correct grip, arm stroke, wrist snap, and follow through.
Throwing drills with resistance bands build arm strength needed for consistently zipping throws down to second. Band exercises also protect shoulders and elbows from overuse.
Quick feet drills develop the footwork to gain ground toward targets, plant, and drive throws with determination. Schro times catchers to ingrain efficient footwork.
Mastering the mechanics of throwing gives catchers confidence in making strong, accurate throws to control opposing running games. By honing the fundamentals of throwing, catchers can shut down the run game.
Receiving Pitches Inside the Zone
Controlling the strike zone starts with receiving pitches cleanly, especially strikes over the heart of the plate. Jen Schro’s Fundamental catching system trains proper technique to handle pitches in the zone.
Schro teaches the importance of presenting a quiet, stable target for pitchers to hit. Starting with a balanced stance and keeping the head still allows pitchers to find their spots. Excess movement compromises accuracy.
On pitches in the zone, Schro instructs shifting the body to receive the ball rather than reaching. Rotating the torso positions the glove optimally in front of the shoulder. Reaching causes tardy glove closure.
The key is letting the ball travel deep into the glove before closing. Soft hands with fingers relaxed absorb force and center the ball. Hard hands pop pitches out by closing too early.
Low strikes require dropping smoothly into a squat while keeping the upper body upright. Sudden drops undermine stability and empower low pitches.
Schro trains flexibility with stretches and drills to receive low strikes gracefully. Tennis ball reaction drills strengthen the ability to receive velocity anywhere in the zone.
On high pitches, Schro teaches rotating the glove hand up without dropping the elbow which protects the shoulder. Footwork shuffles adjust stance to receive high strikes optimally.
By mastering proper receiving technique, catchers gain confidence controlling the strike zone. Smooth receiving frames borderline pitches and gives umpires clear views. Nothing fundamentally transforms catching like receiving mastery.
Framing Pitches at the Edges of the Strike Zone
Turning borderline pitches into strikes is an art, and Jen Schro’s Fundamental system breaks down proper framing technique. Creating expanded strike zones gives pitchers confidence in attacking the edges.
The key principles Schro teaches are quick, subtle movements and freezing in ideal framing position. Large, gradual shifts telegraph to umpires. Quick, snappy technique influences perception.
On outside pitches, Schro instructs rotating the glove hand toward the zone to bring the pitch into view. Rotating the torso too far exposes the illegitimacy of extra-wide frames.
For low pitches, dropping smoothly into a squat brings pitches up into the zone. Schro teaches staying low through the catch with a slight upward glove tilt to sell the frame.
Upward pitches require reducing the drop of the elbow on the glove side to subtly lift the ball. Over-rotating the glove hand exposes the reach.
After receiving, Schro trains catchers to freeze in a poised framing stance, not reacting negatively if a frame is missed. This projects confidence in strikes to umpires.
Daily drills with tennis balls ingrain framing mechanics. Schro flips outside, inside, high, and low tosses for catchers to frame smoothly. Framing pitches soon becomes instinctual.
Through honing framing fundamentals, catchers gain an ability to persuasively influence umpires. Quick, controlled movements expand the zone without making frames appear artificial or obvious. It’s a subtle artform.
Controlling Wild Pitches in the Dirt
Limiting passed balls and wild pitches is crucial for pitchers’ confidence and catchers’ defense. Jen Schro’s Fundamental system teaches the techniques for smothering errant pitches in the dirt.
Schro instructs catchers to study pitchers’ tendencies to read trajectories quickly. Knowing when offspeed pitches dip unpredictably prepares catchers to react.
The key is dropping swiftly into a blocking stance while keeping the chest square. This provides the best blocking surface while maintaining vision on the ball.
Footwork is essential for directing the drop. Shuffles get the glove in front of outside pitches. Crossovers put the body in line with inside pitches.
Glove placement requires reading pitch location to get best coverage. Rotation protects the face from gloveside pitches. Schro teaches protecting the five-hole on straight drips.
Blocking gear like Schro’s Fundamental Blocker ingrains technique by exaggerating pitches down and away. Excessive recoil undermines blocking control.
The final step is securing the ball after impact. Schro instructs clamping down over the ball rather than picking it up, which causes bobbles. Scissor kicks deter advancing runners.
By honing fundamentals like studying tendencies, explosive drops, and securing blocks, catchers master controlling loose pitches in the dirt. Limiting free bases and passed balls preserves leads and highlights handle aptitude.
Handling Foul Tips and Other Pop Flies
Tracking and catching pop ups and foul tips tests a catcher’s focus and coordination. Jen Schro’s Fundamental system trains proper technique for wrangling errant balls behind the plate.
Schro teaches the importance of concentration to track pop ups immediately off the bat. Reading the launch angle gives a jumpstart on getting in position.
Footwork is key for chasing down foul tips. Laterally shuffling while keeping eyes skyward positions the catcher optimally as the ball drifts.
On straight back pops, Schro instructs backpedaling under control to keep sight of the ball. Sudden or late starts result in tipped balls clanking off gear.
Approaching under pop ups, Schro teaches cueing off subtle hand positioning to gauge distance. Last minute adjustments prevent overrunning balls.
The Fundamental system focuses on presenting above-the-shoulders glove targets to snow cone straight drops. Low targets lead to tipped balls.
Schro also trains flexibility and lateral mobility to expand reach for fouls drifted wide. Contorting for errant balls controls damage.
Daily pop up and tip drills reinforce tracking, footwork, and finishing skills. Building familiarity leads to snagging foul tips instinctively.
By honing fundamentals for handling pop ups and foul tips, catchers gain confidence controlling miscues behind the plate. Chasing down skied balls and tipped whistlers prevents extra strikes and bases.
Fielding Bunts – Technique and Footwork
Controlling bunt attempts is an underrated catching skill. Jen Schro’s Fundamental system breaks down efficient fielding technique and footwork for caching bunted balls.
The keys are sure hands, soft hands, and quick feet. Schro teaches fielding bunts cleanly while gaining ground toward first is paramount.
On bunts fielded in front, Schro instructs sweeping the ball to keep it in front while charging forward. Scooping the ball maintains control.
For bunts fielded to the side, crossover steps while facing forward gain distance down the line. A blindness to the field undermines charging.
Schro coaches planting and throwing in rhythm. Building momentum into the throw maintains accuracy at full speed.
Footwork drills develop muscle memory for efficient charges and pickups. Side shuffle, spin, and plant drills shave time off the transition.
On bunt attempts missed, Schro teaches backing up errant throws from the pitcher or corner infielders. Cutting off overthrows limits runners.
For drag bunts, Schro instructs sliding feet first down the line to block the ball while presenting a glove-side backstop. This controls sneak bunts.
By mastering bunt fielding fundamentals, catchers confidently charge dribblers and make strong off-balance throws. Neutralizing bunt attempts requires controlled aggressiveness.
Backpicking and Controlling the Running Game
Backpicking runners is an advanced skill that disrupts opponents’ running games. Jen Schro’s Fundamental system breaks down efficient backpick technique.
Schro teaches backpicking fundamentals like tracking leading runners in your periphery while receiving pitches. This primes backpick preparation.
Footwork is key to get in position smoothly. Lateral shuffles during the windup put momentum toward first base and conceal intent.
The throwing hand transition requires adeptness. Schro instructs prepping the ball hand stealthily behind the back while receiving to accelerate the transfer.
Rotating the torso conceals the throwing hand while generating power. Transferring the ball across the body shields it from runners’ sight.
Schro trains flexibility to whip backpick throws from sidearm angles. Varying release points keeps runners guessing.
Perfecting backpicks requires rep after rep to ingrain footwork and disguise. Schro times catchers working on smooth transitions.
In games, Schro teaches selectively backpicking in likely lean situations. Frequent attempts telegraph intent and make runners overcautious.
By mastering efficient backpick mechanics, catchers keep opponents unsure and limit aggressive leads. Quick hands, shrewdness, and unpredictable timing make for potent backpick throwers.
Calling Pitches and Managing the Pitcher
Masterful pitch calling and handling pitchers gives teams an edge. Jen Schro’s Fundamental catching system develops game management fundamentals.
Schro teaches studying hitters’ tendencies and strategizing sequences to optimize results. Pitch calling requires reading batters and situations.
The key is conviction. Schro instructs catchers to call pitches assertively and stick unless the pitcher shakes off. Confidence in the plan projects certainty.
Schro also focuses on tempo. Calling pitches with a consistent rhythm establishes flow. Quick but calm pace keeps pitchers in control.
On communicating with pitchers, Schro stresses positivity. Reinforce successes between batters and rebuild confidence after hits. Praise sustains morale.
With rookie pitchers, Schro teaches guiding them through games. Remind them of game situations and coach adjustments to keep them present.
To build rapport, Schro has catchers and pitchers discuss preferences and synchronize signs early. Working as a battery boosts effectiveness.
By mastering fundamentals like conviction, tempo, and rapport, catchers gain ability to manage games. Sharp pitch calling and handling pitchers gives teams an advantage.
Handling Substitute Batters and Pitchers
Adapting to mid-game substitutions tests catchers’ versatility. Jen Schro’s Fundamental system prepares catchers to handle lineup changes.
Schro teaches the importance of recalling reserve tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses from scouting reports. Recognizing substitutes informs pitch selection.
For pinch hitters, Schro instructs pitching aggressively to weaknesses early in counts. This limits pinch hitters from settling in.
With new pitchers, Schro focuses on discussing preferences quickly before first pitches. Pitchers perform best when catchers know their style.
If unfamiliar with substitutes, Schro has catchers observe initial warm-up pitches for velocity, movement, and control. Scouting on the fly provides clues.
Schro also trains flexibility by alternating between starters and relievers during bullpen sessions. Switching mindsets on the fly builds adaptability.
In games, Schro teaches guiding flustered relievers entering with runners on base. Calming words and decisive leadership are reassuring.
By preparing thoroughly before games then scouting and supporting substitutes during games, catchers gain confidence managing changes. Handling surprises is fundamental for backstops.
Positivity and Leadership as a Catcher
Catchers naturally serve as on-field leaders, and projecting positivity is vital. Jen Schro’s Fundamental catching system develops leadership skills behind the plate.
Schro teaches that a catcher’s energy sets the team’s tone. Exuding confidence and playing with passion inspires everyone to elevate their play.
On defense, Schro instructs catchers to provide encouragement and guidance. Compliment strong plays and provide tips for improvement to build up teammates.
With pitchers, Schro focuses on accentuating the positive between batters to sustain morale over games. Praise keeps pitchers focused.
Schro also has catchers practice emoting optimism even after miscues. Rebounding quickly models resilience for the full team to follow.
In the dugout, Schro teaches mentoring struggling hitters on approaching upcoming at-bats. Catchers develop a mentorship mindset.
On recognizing fatigue, Schro has catchers monitor pitcher workloads and request relief rather than overexerting arms.
By taking ownership of the team’s energy and looking out for others, catchers become pillars of positivity. Joyful competition, encouragement, and selflessness characterize great backstops.
Mental Toughness and Focus from Behind the Plate
Catching requires immense concentration and resiliency. Jen Schro’s Fundamental system trains rock-solid mental skills for longevity behind the dish.
Schro teaches techniques like self-talk to maintain intensity over full games. Repeating mantras like “Stay present” refocuses drifting attention.
On blocking distractions, Schro instructs catchers to filter out praise or criticism between pitches and lock in on setups. Tuning out noise prevents mental lapses.
To rebound from mistakes, Schro has catchers immediatley shift focus forward to the next pitch. Dwelling on the past undermines readiness.
Schro also focuses on visualizing success in pressure situations. Imagining making big plays breeds confidence in executing when it matters most.
For managing aches, Schro trains catchers to embrace temporary pain and avoid shifting into weaker stances. Playing through discomfort builds toughness.
By honing mental skills and embraceing grinding moments, catchers gain the resilience needed for full seasons. Tuning out distractions, rebounding from failures, and thriving through adversity characterize steely-minded catchers.
Bringing It All Together – Be Your Best with The Fundamental
Catching excellence requires mastering a diverse set of technical, mental, and interpersonal skills. By breaking down all facets into fundamental components, Jen Schro’s elite catching system develops well-rounded catchers ready for anything.
Schro trains proper catching technique from the ground up. Stance, blocking, throwing, receiving – every skill is honed through purposeful drills and training.
But elite catchers require more than just physical skills. Schro strengthens mental toughness, focus, and positivity to thrive under pressure and over full seasons.
Furthermore, Schro teaches the subtleties of game management like calling sequences, handling substitutions, and guiding pitchers. Expert game handling gives teams an edge.
By combining top-notch technical training, mental strengthening, and baseball IQ development, Jen Schro produces fundamentally sound catchers. Her elite coaching unlocks next-level performance.
From youth players learning the basics to seasoned veterans seeking to master nuances, The Fundamental catching system elevates all catchers. There is always room for incremental improvement behind the dish.
The Fundamental promises catchers who apply Schro’s principles diligently and intelligently the opportunity to maximize their ability and satisfaction. Comprehensive catching excellence awaits.