Softball catchers may be the most important players on the field. The catcher calls the pitches and will touch the ball any time the ball does not get put into play. A catcher has to know how to position the defense, has to block all pitches that are in the dirt and must make strong throws to keep runners from stealing. A good catcher needs to be a solid hitter as well. All these skills have to come into play at a tryout.
Alertness
Catchers must demonstrate that they are sharp and alert during a tryout. The catcher is like a coach on the field, since the whole game is laid out in front of her. The catcher is the only defensive player who is situated in foul territory. She must make quick and decisive movements. In a tryout, a coach may tell the player trying out at catcher a game scenario to see how the candidate reacts. The catcher must quickly position her teammates based on the batter's tendencies and give a strong target to the pitcher.
Blocking Pitches
The catcher must catch the ball well. This can be very difficult at times because she may set up in one area and the pitcher may not deliver the ball where she is supposed to pitch it. On many occasions, the catcher will have to quickly shift to her right or left to block the ball and keep it in front of her. This is done while wearing protective shin guards, a chest protector and a mask. All of these items can get quite heavy and slow a catcher down. A catcher who can block wild pitches is viewed as dependable and will have a strong chance of surviving tryouts and making the team.
Snap Throw
The catcher has to control baserunners and prevent them from taking off early or getting big leads. This has to be done by making quick throws to the bases. A catcher cannot wind up to throw; she has to quickly bring the ball back to ear height and then snap the throw off quickly. A catcher who winds up to make a hard throw loses the chance of surprising the runner. Coaches want catchers with strong, accurate arms who get the ball away quickly.
Expert Advice
Former U.S. Olympic pitching star Jennie Finch says an outstanding catcher is the pitcher's partner and is often responsible for a well-pitched game. "You have more confidence when you are working with a good catcher," Finch said. "You know she understands what you are going through on the mound and how to set up a hitter. A good catcher has to show her coaches and the pitchers she works with that she understands the game and that she knows how to call a good game. When I worked with a catcher that understood which pitches to call, I knew I would have a better chance to win."
References
- Softball Performance; "Softball Tryout Problems"; Ken Krause
- Jennie Finch; Olympic and Professional Softball Pitcher; Chicago
Member Comments