Besides the pitcher, no player on the baseball field handles the ball more than the catcher. Catchers have a tremendously important position in baseball and are often seen as the leader on the field. With their specific responsibilities, catchers have to possess a distinctive fundamental skill set.
Pitch Receiving
A majority of pitches in baseball are not hit, and receiving those pitches is the top priority of a catcher. As a catcher, you should set up on the balls of your feet, mitt partially extended, throwing hand behind you and ready to receive the pitch. Remember to adjust your setup and mitt location. Adjust your glove and setup to the anticipated pitch location to provide a good target. Remember to keep your elbow slightly bent as a shock absorber for the pitch.
Game Calling
Some teams allow the catcher to call pitches, while other teams will signal pitches from the dugout. Either way, catchers are ultimately responsible for giving the pitcher a clear sign on which pitch to throw. A catcher must give these signs in a way that the opposing team cannot steal them. Keep your signs in between your legs, deep in the crotch area to block from the opposing coach and player’s eyes. If a runner is on second, remember to disguise your signs by throwing down a series of signs and using an indicator. The indicator tells the pitcher that the next sign is the real sign during the series of signals.
Pitch Blocking
Occasionally, a pitcher will throw a pitch in the dirt and a catcher will be unable to catch the pitch as normal. If runners are on base or it is the third strike, it is imperative that the ball stays in front of you. Drop to your knees, curve in your shoulders and place your mitt between your legs. The objective is to create a screen that keeps the ball from getting behind you; do not worry about trying to catch the ball. Use your body to knock the ball down, quickly find it and gather it up ready to make a play if necessary.
Fielding Pop Ups
Another of the catcher’s duties is to field popups behind the plate. If a batter pops up a ball near the plate, quickly remove your mask and toss it out of the way. Your pitcher should give you the rough direction of the pop up so that you can get into the general area of it as quickly as possible. Turn your back to the pitcher, look up and find the ball as quickly as possible. When catching the ball, always use two hands when possible and keep the bottom of your mitt above chin level. Pop ups within the catcher’s area usually have a great deal of spin and often will drift back toward fair territory.
Fielding Bunts and Slow Rollers
Occasionally a slowly hit ball will be in the catcher’s fielding area. In this situation, again, remove your mask and throw it quickly out of your way. Surround the ball and field it with both hands. Bring yourself under control, set your feet and make an accurate throw.
Throwing To Bases: Pick-offs and Steals
A major duty of catchers is to control the running game. When you detect a baserunner is stealing or taking too large of a lead, set up by bringing some of your weight back onto your heels. After you receive the pitch, turn your mitt over with the ball facing you. If you are a right-handed catcher, come out of your crouch by turning your left hip toward the target base while sliding your right foot in near your left. At the same time, remove the ball from the mitt and get your arm in throwing position. Next, step toward the target base with your left foot and drive off your right foot to deliver the ball. If you are a left-handed catcher, reverse the feet instructions.
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