Need help catching (baseball related)?

Question

Im currently a freshman and play jv baseball for my team. Im a catcher, but a third string one, or "bullpen catcher". The starter is just a catcher, and the second string is a better outfielder, but still a good catcher. I think i can do just as good as the starter and other people have said it. I work harder than all our catchers, and one one them on varsity i know i work harder than. Eventually, i would like to play varsity catcher because both of our catchers are seniors.

Is there a good website that not only includes drills and tips, but videos i can download on my ipod for free. I know all the right fundamentals, and not to concerned with them, but i would like to find drills and videos of the best catchers.

and also..bonus question lol...what is the average size of a catcher, because i'm the smallest catcher on JV and varsity, and no one who knows me thinks im a catcher.

me- 5'7, 130 lbs

starter- 5'10 190
2nd- 6'0 200

Answer 1

You might want to hit the weights a bit but if i was you i would what ive been doing and really focus on my throws and blocking the ball
For throwing
Just get your distances and work on them throw about 20 or 30 120 feet throws
then throw about 20 or 30 90 feet throws
For blocking the ball find a wall and take a tennis ball and work on blocking the ball eventually move up closer and increase the speed you put on the ball

Then you need to learn just about every possible play you as a catcher need to know this because you have to be a leader,
Be loud and direct traffic on all plays

And for your bonus question there usually right around 5 10 or 5 9 and usually 160-180 but dont worry about size your gonna grow, and once you lift weights youll gain alot of weight


I had the same thing with me im 15 and last year i was about 5 5 130
and now im 5 9 175, youll just grow trust me

Answer 2

Your height shouldn't matter but I'd think about "bulking up." Don't get discouraged because, unless you are the best player your school has ever seen, you usually won't play any position as a freshman (depending on school size, if you're the coaches kid, # of people trying out for a position). Just keep working hard and you'll get your shot. Sorry I can't help you with the websites.

"Average size" for a catcher is probably around 5'-11" and 195. I was a catcher for all of my baseball career and I topped out at 6'-1", 205.

In short, your best bet will be to get some size. Don't get fat, but 130 lbs is more of a middle infielder position's weight than it is a catcher's. And "best catcher" in my opinion is Pudge from Detroit because he's got the best all-around game.

Answer 3

Hi,

I am a catcher on a girl's softball team. I've moved my way up yo 1st string catcher. You really need to strengthen your throwing arm. To make sure you can make it to second when the opposite team is stealing. I find that it helps not to go into a full squat when someone is heading to steal. If you have a little bit of time, watch the other teams coach for his "signal" to steal. It maybe be in a jumble of movements, but look for the one that the player steals on every time. This will help you prepare to throw down. I just google catching position. I usually get okay results. Good luck, i hope you become a varsity catcher.

Answer 4

In high school catchers are the most important player on the field. You have to be tough enough to get beat up by inconsistent pitching, and smart enough to call a game with pitchers that have few tools. Physically being quick left and right to block the ball and have a quick release to second are most important. Watch a lot of ball, and pay attention to what guys do in different counts, when teams bunt, steal, hit and run, where they hit to. Lift and learn.
I think smaller guys with good arms make better catchers than big guys, smaller guys seem to be quicker around the plate and on throws.

Answer 5

I played 3rd base for my high school team 2 years ago and we had 3 catchers. and the main thing that my coach was worried about was blocking the ball. most high school pitchers can get wild sometimes so keep practicing on blocking the ball. also work on getting a near perfect down to 2nd and to 3rd. I'm sure if you keep working out you'll make it next year. I'd say play year round if you can. and go and talk to the varsity coach, show him that you are committed and let him see you play. im sure hes gonna see you one time or another during the up and coming season so keep up the good work man, hopefully you get a chance to play varsity. who knows maybe if you get good enough the coach might call you up to play a varsity game or two. maybe you could get a personal trainer if your parents are willing to pay for it. maybe within the next few years you can get one. but all in all just keep working on it. you can never be too prepared!

bonus answer...Get into the gym and get stronger on your whole body.especially your triceps. dont get fat or too big, you need to be able to run. at least be able to run down to first base to back up a play..GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 6

I dunno about the website but since your still a freshman you have time to grow. I suggest you work out with weights and try to build yourself to about 150 lbs by the start of your sophmore season. It seems like you like the position, but you are going to need to grow some. Also, how good are you? What arm do you throw with and how strong is it? Can you throw people out if they steal on you? Do you drop alot of balls? You are going to need to be good in your catching game to be successful. More importantly in high school baseball is your hitting so i suggest you focus on that because if you cant hit you wont get a starting job in varsity. Remember to be committed, keep your grades high enough to be eligible, and make sure you are on good terms with the coach. Always show him you are giving it 100% and you will play eventually.

I love baseball, but when I started high school I quickly found out I wasnt good enough. I played outfield for my freshman and sophmore year, but i was a benchwarmer and I only got 4 at bats. I worked extremely hard in the summer before junior year and played summer ball. I also changed to 1b since Im big and not too fast and I made varsity. The coach noticed the difference and halfway through the season I was starting. I went 13-24 (.542) and it felt great. I started varsity my senior year too.

So keep at it and know what your strengths and weaknesses are. And if you arent committed you arent gonna get anything out of it.