Baseball catchers have one of the most difficult jobs in sports. They need to call and catch every pitch, block pitches thrown in the dirt, throw out baserunners, field bunts and pop-flies and direct other fielders where to throw the ball. Catchers need hours of practice to master so many skills. During every team practice session, a coach should conduct drills that enable catchers to work on at least one of those skills.
Receiving Drill
Receiving is the art of catching pitches. Your catcher can help your pitchers get more strike calls from the umpire if he catches the ball properly. Throw balls to your catcher in all areas of the strike zone so he can practice receiving. Start from only about 30 feet away and tell him where you are going to throw the ball. Then back up and mix up the locations of your throws to make your catcher react as the ball is moving toward him.
Three-Ball Blocking Drill
Catchers must be able to block pitches thrown in the dirt to prevent baserunners from advancing. The three-ball blocking drill teaches a catcher how to properly move and position his body to block pitches in the dirt directly in front of him and to his left and right. Set up three baseballs in front of home plate, one in the center, one just off the left edge of the plate and one just off the right edge. Stand in front of your catcher and tell him to assume his stance as if runners are on base. Point to one of the balls, signaling your catcher to quickly move to his knees and position his body in front of the ball. When you are satisfied with his position, say "up," directing him back to his stance. Then point to a different ball and repeat the process.
Throwing Drill
Catchers must be able to throw out baserunners trying to steal second or third base. This requires good footwork, a quick exchange of the ball from the catcher's mitt to the throwing hand, and a strong throwing arm. After teaching your catcher the proper technique, throw balls to him from the pitcher's mound and have him alternate throws to second and third base. Critique his technique after each repetition. Once he becomes comfortable with the technique, add a baserunner to the drill to make it resemble a game situation.
Bunt Drill
When a batter bunts the baseball near home plate, a catcher must be able to explode out of his stance to field the ball and throw it to one of the bases. To practice this skill, have your catcher set up in his stance and stand behind him with a baseball. Repeatedly toss the baseball in different directions over his head in front of home plate and have him react by moving to the ball, picking it up and throwing it to a base. As he moves to field the ball, tell him where to throw the ball: first, second or third base.
References
- "The Baseball Coaching Bible"; Jerry Kindall and John Winkin; 1999
- WePlay.com: How to Block a Pitch
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