what is the most important thing to teach a catcher playing american legion/highschool baseball?

Answer 1

The most important thing is going to be how fast you can receive the ball, and get the throw down to second base. Work on your technique. It is more the technique (footwork, fast release, quick transfer) than it is arm strength. Get your technique right, and you will be recruited moreso then just having a strong arm.

Answer 2

It's not just one thing, it's the total package. Of course the throw to second is very important, but you need to know how to prevent passed balls and minimize wild pitches. Pitch selection, knowledge of the opposing hitters, your own pitchers strengths/weaknesses, hitting, and of course leadership traits are all important.

I would say the most important thing is working on all of the above until all aspects are honed to the best of your abilities. There is always something you can improve on.

One of my most memorable moments as a catcher was backhanding a wild pitch on the in-between hop while firing a perfect strike to second in an opposing 20 mile per hour wind that cut down the potential tying run trying to steal second in a tournament game. There was some luck involved in there too for that one.

Also, several crucial plays at the plate that called for blocking the plate while the opposing runner is trying to kill you comes to mind. I always hung onto the ball.

Answer 3

Maybe the single most important person in the field of play as they not only catch and work with the pitcher but also the pitching coach to prepare how the game will be pitched while also having to be able to hit and anchor the defense as the best defense starts up the middle: catcher, pitcher, 2nd basemen, center fielder.

Answer 4

First would be keeping the ball in front of you and visible at all times. The best catchers try to use their entire body to keep the ball from getting away from them. If that means falling on it, smothering it, whatever. Never let it out of your site.

Second calling the game. You are the one who in essence controls the pace of the game and the pitches that are thrown. If you call a good game and you get W's in the win column your pitcher will trust you and not shake you off or throw bad pitches.

Third the throw to second base. Keeping the runners out of scoring position is keeping runs of the board.

Answer 5

The catcher is the only player on the field that can see every player at all times. He is the captain of the field. He knows what pitch is being thrown and occasionally where it would be going so he can direct the other players to be in their correct position to field the ball. His main job is to keep the ball in front of him. If he does that there should be no other jobs/ The pitcher is in charge of keeping the runner from advancing to another base.

Answer 6

Watch Yadier Molina

Answer 7

To not flinch. To block the ball, To properly and safely block the plate. To keep the mask and helmet on when a runner is coming down the line.

Most important, to have fun.

Answer 8

no question - footwork. Catching and being able to throw the ball down to second base in a fluid motion is very important and will cut down the number of bases the opposition gets.

Answer 9

AJ is right about footwork and technique. I would also add keeping the ball in front of him on pitches in the dirt. Catching is a very demanding position. Good luck!

Answer 10

Don't pull your glove in a vain attempt to get a strike call. When you do that, you just told the umpire the pitch was a ball. Don't moan and groan when you don't get a strike call on close pitches; be positive with your pitcher.