Baseball catchers have a number of responsibilities, including throwing, fielding the ball and making sure pitches don't get by them for pass balls. Your ability to succeed at catching will depend on how quickly you can react to these situations and either shift your stance or get to your feet to make a play. These drills will get you used to all the situations you may face in a game.
Ball Blocking Drill
You will need a partner for the ball blocking drill. The pitcher should be 30 feet away from home plate. Have him place one knee on the ground so that he can easily throw balls low and into the dirt. Get in your stance behind the plate. Have the pitched throw balls into the dirt at your feet in front of you. Practice stopping the balls and keeping them in front. Then have the pitcher throw balls in the dirt toward either side. Slide over and stop the balls while keeping them in front of you.
Second Base Throw
You will need a pitcher and a second baseman to assist in this drill. Get in your stance behind home plate, and catch a pitch. Immediately jump to your feet and get them in a vertical line toward towards second base. Throw the ball as quickly as you can while remaining accurate. Have the pitcher watch your feet to make sure you are turning your body and forming a straight line from your back foot to your front foot to second base.
Framing Drill
This drill will help you keep pitches in front of you and improve your foot quickness for getting to the ball. Have a partner stand 30 feet away and throw balls that are outside the zone. Use a quick step without leaving your crouch to move your body to either side so that you catch the pitch at the center of your body, without having to reach your glove to the sides.
Pop-up Drill
Have a partner stand right in front of you. Get in your stance. Your partner will throw the ball high in the air and behind home plate. Jump up quickly and run to make a catch before the ball can hit the ground. Practice running straight back, to both sides behind the plate, and even forward toward the pitcher's mound so that you are accustomed to moving in any direction necessary.
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