Catcher Framing

A Drill to Improve a Catcher’s Ability to Frame Pitches and Earn More Strike Calls

The Catcher Framing drill focuses on helping catchers receive pitches with subtle movements and positioning that increase the likelihood of pitches being called strikes. This drill emphasizes hand movements, wrist control, and glove positioning.

This is essential for any catcher looking to refine their skills and positively impact the game by helping pitchers get more strike calls. With regular practice, catchers will improve their hand movements, develop a better feel for the strike zone, and gain confidence in their framing abilities.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 10-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Catcher’s mitt
  • Bucket of baseballs
  • Pitching machine, a coach/pitcher to throw, or a partner to simulate pitches
  • Optional: Home plate or target to simulate the strike zone for framing practice
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The catcher positions themselves in a standard catching stance, ready to receive pitches.
  • The pitcher or coach stands approximately 45-60 feet from the catcher, depending on the thrower’s strength and the age of the catcher.
  1. Throwing Area:
  • The pitcher or coach should focus on varying pitch locations (inside, outside, high, and low) around the edge of the strike zone to allow the catcher to practice framing from different areas.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Catcher Positioning:
  • The catcher sets up in their regular stance, with their glove ready to receive pitches in a stable but flexible position.
  1. Receiving and Framing Execution:
  • The pitcher or coach delivers pitches around the edges of the strike zone.
  • The catcher focuses on framing each pitch by using subtle wrist movements to bring the glove slightly toward the strike zone.
  • Emphasize smooth, quick movements rather than jerking the glove, as this keeps the framing motion discreet and more convincing to the umpire.
  • For low pitches, instruct the catcher to angle their glove upward while maintaining a strong wrist to bring the ball slightly up into the zone.
  • For pitches on the corners, teach the catcher to turn their glove inward slightly to “pull” the ball toward the middle without excessive movement.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Repeat 15-20 pitches per round, focusing on framing different zones around the plate. Rotate after each round to allow for feedback and fine-tuning of technique.
  1. Variations:
  • For more advanced catchers, vary the speed of the pitches or add breaking balls to practice framing different types of movement.

Why You Run This Drill:

Framing is a crucial skill for catchers, as effective framing can influence umpires to call more strikes on borderline pitches. By learning to frame correctly, catchers can help their pitchers by expanding the strike zone subtly. This drill focuses on hand control, positioning, and the subtle wrist movements needed to receive pitches effectively and “sell” them as strikes.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Wrist Control and Hand Movement: The drill teaches catchers to keep their wrist firm but flexible, which is essential for subtle, controlled glove movements.
  • Glove Positioning: This drill helps catchers learn the best positions for receiving pitches, allowing them to work the edges of the strike zone effectively.
  • Strike Zone Awareness: By practicing framing from different areas around the zone, catchers develop a strong understanding of where the strike zone’s edges lie.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Enhances Strike Rate for Pitchers: Proper framing can help pitchers get more strike calls, which boosts their confidence and can change the game’s momentum.
  • Builds Catcher Awareness: Improves catchers’ understanding of the strike zone, making them more valuable on the field.
  • Increases Catcher Credibility: Good framing helps catchers gain the trust of umpires, which can lead to more favorable calls over time.

Cons:

  • Requires Patience and Precision: Catchers must learn to be patient and subtle with their movements, which can be challenging for younger players who might be eager to “snap” pitches into the zone.
  • High Repetition Needed: Achieving consistent framing requires many repetitions, which can be time-consuming in practice.
  • Limited Immediate Feedback: Without an umpire present, it can be difficult for young catchers to know how well they’re framing, so it’s essential for coaches to provide constant feedback.

Coaching Notes & FAQs

Coaching Tips:

  • Encourage Subtlety: Emphasize small, controlled movements rather than exaggerated motions. Good framing should be almost unnoticeable to the umpire.
  • Use Cues: Remind catchers to “stick” the pitch rather than “snap” it. This helps the catcher keep a firm wrist and makes the frame look natural.
  • Practice Reaction Time: Catchers should aim to move as little as possible. Encourage them to let the ball come to the glove rather than reaching or lunging.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if my catcher has trouble with wrist strength?
  • Wrist and forearm strength are essential for framing. Incorporate wrist and forearm strengthening exercises (like wrist curls or squeezes with a stress ball) into practice to help build the required strength over time.
  1. How can I teach my catcher to avoid snapping their glove?
  • Use cues like “be smooth” or “stick it” to remind catchers to keep their movements fluid. Practicing with slower tosses or focusing on one area of the strike zone at a time can also help them refine their motion.
  1. How often should we work on framing?
  • Framing can be practiced 1-2 times per week, especially during bullpen sessions or warm-ups. Consistent practice will lead to better results over time.
  1. Should catchers frame every pitch?
  • No, framing should be used mainly for borderline pitches. Trying to frame pitches far out of the zone may come off as inauthentic and lead to fewer calls. Catchers need to develop a feel for when framing is beneficial.