Catching Drills - The Big Three
Bobby Humphrey
Bridgewater College Assistant Softball Coach, Phillies Associate Scout, Author, Teacher
Drills.?They’re all over social media.?Some are good.?And some…
Each coach likely has their “go-to” drills for various aspects of the game.?In a normal season, our catchers will do – at least in part – roughly 70 drills of some variation.?As I type this document, I am reminded to note that not all of these drills are appropriate for beginning baseball/softball catchers.?I have a lot – especially for blocking – that I suggest more for the younger, inexperienced ones!
Drills should focus on:
·????????Purpose and intent vs just looking “sexy.” (My term for meaningless drill work)
·????????Why over way. (!!)
·????????Effectiveness
·????????Growth
Below I have outlined my top two drills for each of the Big Three – receiving, blocking, and throwing - with emphasis points for coaches.?
Receiving:
Drill #1:
Weighted ball.?A weighted ball does not lie and allows catchers to receive immediate feedback.?There is really no further explanation needed.?We utilize weighted balls to work on receiving just as we would catching bullpens.?Pitchers/throwers can either throw to random locations or consecutively to specific locations – inside, outside, low/middle.?
The Why:?Catchers are taught to “beat” or “meet” the ball at its point of contact with subtle push (left side) or pull (right side).?As we are seeing all over the internet, catchers are putting a particular emphasis on low pitches, working ground-up, under and through the ball.?Simply put, if we catch incorrectly, a weighted ball will tell us.?
Drill #2:
Pitching machine.?Again, we aren’t getting too crazy here!?A pitching machine is easily the best tool for repetitive receiving instruction.?Our catchers will receive a series of locations, similarly to above, working on exactly the same technique.
The Why:?Receiving a bullpen is honorable mention on this list because the only way to improve receiving is to receive!?A pitching machine allows for desired velocity and repeat location, and some machines can simulate pitch types.?
Coaches’ Note 1:?Right now, it seems like every catcher in America is working ground-up for low pitches.?I do not fault that, but I can say with certainty, that at the time of writing this article, a lot of top-tier catchers are struggling with especially throwing-side pitches.?Working under the ball is fine, but don’t neglect corner pitches! I am seeing countless video of exaggerated upward glove movement. Fine - but catch corners, too!
Coaches’ Note 2:?As we are about halfway through the college season, I can also say with certainty that glove-to-ground is sufficient, but I’m seeing it done incorrectly too often.?My suggestion – if this is the method that works best for the *player* - is to have them begin with the glove down.?Beginning middle of the K zone, working down to the ground, then having to catch up to the pitch is posing problems, DIII – DI.?Some catchers begin drifting right back to the original glove placement (down the middle) before the release of the ball! (Glove down, glove drifts up - totally defeats the purpose).?Again – why over way has to be at the forefront!?We cannot force feed a method because we see it on TV.?Coach to the individual strengths and weaknesses, not a method.
There’s nothing flashy about the above drills, but they’re what I would consider the most effective.?We do a lot of receiving drills that include reaction, meticulous focus, agility, and stamina.?But for glove action, this is where it’s at.
Softball:?Be sure to check out my article, listed below, regarding arm-locking.?Most colleges are moving away from this, thankfully.?I have thoroughly explained why in my article below.?
Blocking:
First, blocking is not a skill; it is a mentality, an effort, and a mindset.?If you can’t block, you can’t catch!?Collectively, our blocking drills are butt-kickers.?They’re hard.?They challenge stamina, and technique is a must.?On top of that, the obvious – you’re wearing balls off the body.?There are two options for catchers when it comes to all drill work, and especially blocking:?You either dread the drill work, which in turn has a negative effect on your attitude, or you embrace the challenge and wear it like a badge of honor.??Promote this attitude with your catchers – embrace the work others don’t do!
Drill #1:
Line drill, left/right blocking:?The coach/thrower stands roughly 20-30 feet away.?The coach/thrower throws to the right/left of catcher.?Upon blocking, the catcher recovers and repeats for a predetermined amount of throws.?They are moving steadily through the drill – block left, recover, repeat.?The throws should be just off the catcher’s right/left foot.?Do one line for throws only to the right/left, then reverse. Be sure to give the player time to get their legs back under them before the next set.?We typically do no more than 12.?
Coaches’ Note #1:?It is imperative that our catchers focus on technique here.?We are not merely going through the motions, considering a ball off the chest successful.?For this drill to have purpose and intent, it should be high intense, however not so rushed that the catcher does not recover to their receiving position.?Coach the players to come completely set and don’t cheat by way of leaving early, or allowing the glove to hang downward.?Baseball and softball are games of habit.
Coaches’ Note #2:?You’ve likely heard to “block back to the plate.”?While this is good in theory, it’s faulty in execution.?The reason catchers are told to “block back to the plate” is so that their bodies are getting around the ball.?So, while it’s a good starting point – like freeze on a line drive (you shouldn’t) – it really should not be a literal focus.?Instead, successfully blocked balls are blocked directly below the chest – absorbed, not a “brick wall,” which deflects.?The reason – the why – is that if we are truly successful in blocking “back to the plate” we have created a poor angle to adequately recover and potentially throw to 2B, especially when the ball is blocked to the right (pushed back to the left).?Focus on these balls being blocked directly under the body and mandate that!?Do not go so fast that technique and purpose are lost.?Baseball and softball are games of habit. (Put it on repeat!)
Drill #2:
Monkey in the middle.?Two throwers are needed.?The catcher positions between the two throwers, roughly 30 feet away from both, in the middle.?Thrower one throws a ball into the dirt for the catcher to block.?The catcher blocks, recovers, and does a 180 to face the opposite thrower.?They throw, and the process repeats.?
Coaches’ Note #1:?This drill is hard.?Doing more than 16 blocks will start to tire your catchers quickly.?Being fatigue is completely acceptable (and part of the point), and we demand technique as the body and mind begin to tire.?But there must be a limit.?As with the explanation above, the catcher must first come set before the coach/player throws the ball.?This, too, is intense, but cannot be rushed as to sacrifice the purpose of the drill.?Balls should be thrown to various locations.?This helps tremendously with catchers that have difficulty reading and reacting.
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Throwing:
Catchers are taught various technique, especially in softball, for throwing to 2B – pivot, from the knees (pitch dependent), and jab step, or replacement step.?I teach a short, powerful jab step (close to a replacement).?Regardless, there should be two strong points of emphasis – the transfer begins immediately and is the key that starts the throwing ignition, and power comes from legs, legs, legs!?Our catchers will sometimes do 45 minutes worth of throwing drills without even throwing a ball.?We focus heavily on leg use – short, compact, explosive, and directional.?
Drill #1:
?Walking line drill. The coach/catcher places 8-12 balls on the ground, in a straight line, roughly 3-5 feet apart. The catcher(s) go into their secondary stance (if there is one) with the ball positioned on the ground, between their legs.?It is important that they are not reaching out front for the ball.?Upon coach’s cue, the player bare-hands the ball and goes through their throwing progression – transfer, jab step, power position.?The ball is dropped and the process is repeated until all balls have been completed.?
The why:?This is all about repeat leg use with focus on quickness and being directionally aligned. Additionally, this is a good drill for catchers that tend to come up too quickly when throwing to second.?There are a couple of reasons for this:?To begin, catchers must catch the ball first.?Coming up too soon and potentially catching the ball low (while your body is moving up) slows the entire process down.?In especially softball, catchers must trust their throwing instincts.?For younger girls, it is common that they’re coming up every pitch when runners are on base.?Remember – the first and most important responsibility for a catcher is to catch!?Receiving should not be compromised.?This helps to remain low through the process.?
Coaches’ Note:?Be sure the catcher is not too far away from the ball.?It should be just under their body.?Watch for and focus on short, compact feet.?Finish in an athletic power position with both feet aligned.
Drill #2:
Bounce drill:?This drill is similar to Drill #1 in that the focus is staying back, trusting the mechanical process.?A hard ground is necessary – wood, turf, concrete, etc.?The catcher should be positioned on a line for a point of reference if possible.?The catcher begins in their stance.?The coach throws the ball into the ground so that it bounces one time before the catcher is able to receive.?The catcher goes through their progression – transfer, feet, power position – and repeats the process.?If the catcher is gaining ground, the thrower should walk backwards a little each throw.?A line is used to help promote directional throwing; both feet should end up on the line.?While the jab step will typically be acceptable given the line in this regard, it is important to emphasize that the left/front foot closes off, as well.
The Why:?Again – promoting catching before throwing.?This will force the catcher to first catch, then explode through the throwing progression.?It also promotes balance – not lunging toward the ball.?
Coaches’ Note:?There are variations of this drill that we use.?The catcher does not have to throw.?However, they may also throw a series of balls through the progression, while also moving forward, or they may throw and return to their initial spot.?
Coaches’ Note 2:?To help emphasize balance and a catch-first approach, consider using this drill but adding a verbal cue; throw the ball, allow the catcher to receive, then give the command to go through the throwing progression.
Coaches Note 3: When I was writing my book I learned this drill from a coach that worked with catchers at the MLB level. It was noted that some teams, instead of bouncing, will under-hand toss the ball. This is an option, but the catcher should absolutely not catch the ball palm up; put enough air under the ball that they catch somewhat normally.
Drills part 2:?They’re everywhere.?The “go-to” drills of the Big Three posted here are hardly Earth-shattering, but they’re with purpose and intent. Don’t get carried away or sucked into the ooo’s and ahhh’s of sexy drills.?
Use these.?Change them.?Make them your own to help with the individual.
There are very few things I do with catchers that would be considered cookie-cutter.?As I work with catchers from all age groups, from throughout the country, and within the college girls I coach, all have minor differences in the way they approach the position, as well as similarities.?It’s our job – our responsibility – to coach to one’s strength.
Teach the why over the way.
If interested in learning more about catching clinics, follow me on Twitter to seek information via personal messaging:?@Humphrey_Bobby
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National Retention Manager at All American Gutter Protection
3 年I have an honest question for you, Bobby: Why do some catchers who come to me for lessons, (or who I observe playing) when blocking a pitch, only complete 95% of the blocking? I see some kids taught to use their mitt like a pancake glove, and only BLOCK or stop the pitch. I contend that their job is to not only block the pitch, but to actually CATCH the ball. Why not complete the last 5% and actually CLOSE the mitt? (A runner who wasn't originally stealing, may make a jump when they see the pitch in the dirt, so you may have an opportunity to throw!) Is there a reason some coaches apparently teach this that I've missed over the years? Thanks, Jeff