Catching DrillsGlove Position Drill Glove rotation in a clock pattern with palm as the center of the rotationCoach softly throws balls from 10 feet allowing the catcher to properly position the glove for a catchFramingHold the caught position of a STRIKE for a ½ second to allow theumpire to make a positive call.Coach throws balls from 20 feet allowing the catcher to frame the pitchBlocking Drill With Tennis Balls and/or With BaseballsOn a command to move before the ball is thrown, the catchershould move to the proper position to catch the following:Block CenterBlock RightBlock LeftPicking up a loose ballPress the ball firmly into the ground, DON’T SCOOP THE BALL

2007 Catcher’s Clinic Drills and Notes

• One knee and elbow in glove tossThrowing knee down, elbow in glove, 4 seam grip, snap the wrist to a straight backwards rotation.

• TagTwo handed catch with placing the tag and body in front of the plateDuring practice, the catcher should be in a position to place the tag on every ball thrown home and place the tag on EVERY positive throwPop – Spin – Transfer Hands are always above the waist2 hand transfer to the earThrow from the earPop – Spin – Transfer – Throw – FinishThrow from a loaded leg positionFinish like a pitcher throwing down hillThrow to 1stConcentrate on getting the shoulder pointed towards the targetOpen a throwing laneThrow to 3rd (on a right handed batter)Inside pitchJab step behind the batterCenter or Outside pitchTransfer the ball while taking one step towards 1st

2007 Catcher’s Clinic Drills and Notes

• Pass Balls to Pitcher DrillUnder handed throw back to the plate with the expectation that the pitcher will be therePop Up DrillCoach stands behind the catcher who is in a catchers position in front of the plateCoach throws a pop up and says goCatcher removes his helmet and does not throw it away from where he is going to catch the ball until he knows where he is going to catch itMakes a two handed catch over his throwing shoulderDrill: Block to a throw to first or thirdAround the ClockPlace 6 balls around the catcher at varying distances to simulate bunts and pass ballsRestarting for every ball from the catching position the catcher moves to any ball on the word goCoach directs where the ball is to be thrownCoach may decide to have the player hold the pop position before allowing the catcher to throw to determine if the catcher is in the proper throwing position

2007 Catcher’s Clinic Drills and Notes