Catcher Receiving Drill

A Drill to Develop Smooth Receiving Skills and Minimize Glove Movement for Fast Pitches

The Catcher Receiving Drill helps catchers develop the skill of receiving fast pitches with minimal glove movement, which is essential for handling powerful pitches smoothly. This drill builds a catcher’s confidence, control, and ability to frame pitches effectively.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate to Challenging)
Time Estimate: 10-15 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Full catcher’s gear for safety (mask, chest protector, leg guards, and glove)
  • Bucket of baseballs
  • A partner to throw fast pitches (coach or pitcher)
  • L-screen for safety (optional but recommended for the thrower)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The catcher sets up in a standard crouching stance behind the plate, positioned in the middle of the strike zone.
  • The thrower stands 45-60 feet away (adjusting based on the catcher’s skill level and age) and prepares to throw fast pitches to simulate game-like receiving.
  1. Throwing Area:
  • The thrower should be positioned safely with enough space for both fast and accurate throws. An L-screen can be used for added safety, especially with younger throwers.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand or kneel behind the L-screen if one is used, or position yourself safely to throw fastballs directly to the catcher.
  1. Execution of the Receiving Drill:
  • The thrower delivers a series of fast pitches (about 10-15 per round), focusing on hitting the strike zone.
  • The catcher should focus on receiving each pitch with minimal glove movement, aiming to catch the ball smoothly while staying relaxed in the wrist and hand.
  • Instruct the catcher to let the ball come to them without reaching or “snatching” at it, using only slight wrist adjustments to receive the pitch.
  • Between pitches, provide feedback on glove positioning and movement, helping the catcher adjust if they are moving the glove too much or pulling it out of the zone.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Perform 2-3 sets of 10-15 pitches per round. Allow brief rests between rounds for feedback and corrections, focusing on consistency and smooth receiving.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For younger or less experienced catchers, start with slower pitches and increase speed as their skill improves. For more advanced catchers, incorporate pitches on the corners or slightly outside the strike zone to work on framing.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Catcher Receiving Drill is designed to develop a catcher’s skill in receiving high-speed pitches with precision and control. By minimizing glove movement, the catcher presents a stable target for the pitcher and improves their ability to frame pitches within the strike zone. This drill also builds confidence in handling powerful pitches smoothly, which is crucial for game situations.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Glove Control: The drill emphasizes minimal glove movement, helping catchers receive pitches without pulling them out of the strike zone.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: The catcher learns to track fast pitches and adjust their glove positioning subtly to catch the ball smoothly.
  • Framing Ability: With minimal movement, catchers can frame pitches effectively, improving the chance of borderline pitches being called as strikes.

Pros and Cons of the Drill

Pros:

  • Improves Receiving Consistency: Teaches catchers to receive pitches consistently without jerking or pulling their glove, which is essential for framing.
  • Builds Confidence: Allows catchers to develop comfort handling fast pitches, which translates to better performance in games.
  • Strengthens Wrist Control: Focuses on developing a strong yet relaxed wrist for receiving powerful pitches.

Cons:

  • Requires a Skilled Thrower: This drill relies on a partner or coach who can consistently throw fast, accurate pitches, which may be challenging for younger teams to access.
  • Can Be Physically Demanding: For young catchers, multiple rounds of fast pitches can be tiring on the hand and wrist, especially if they’re not used to high-speed throws.

Coaching Notes & FAQs

Coaching Tips:

  • Keep the Glove Quiet: Remind the catcher to focus on keeping their glove movement subtle and relaxed. Avoid “stabbing” at the ball; let it come into the glove.
  • Emphasize Wrist Stability: Catchers should maintain a firm but relaxed wrist, allowing them to absorb the pitch smoothly without excessive movement.
  • Focus on Framing: If the catcher is ready, introduce framing techniques by placing pitches on the edge of the strike zone and encouraging small, controlled glove movements to “stick” the pitch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How should the catcher position their glove for different pitch heights?
  • The catcher should position their glove slightly higher than the ball on lower pitches and slightly lower for high pitches, creating a “funnel” effect that directs the ball into the glove with minimal movement.
  1. What should I do if the catcher keeps moving their glove too much?
  • Encourage them to relax their wrist and hand, using a soft “catch and stick” motion instead of snatching at the ball. A lighter grip on the glove can also help them stay loose and receive the ball with minimal movement.
  1. Can this drill be adapted for younger catchers?
  • Yes, start with slower pitches or a closer distance, allowing young catchers to practice receiving comfortably. You can gradually increase the pitch speed and distance as their skills develop.
  1. How often should this drill be included in practice?
  • This drill can be run 1-2 times per week during practice sessions focused on catching skills. It’s especially useful in preseason training and when preparing for pitchers who throw with higher velocity.

The Catcher Receiving Drill is an essential tool for helping catchers develop smooth, consistent receiving skills. By focusing on minimal glove movement, this drill builds a catcher’s ability to handle high-speed pitches effectively, helping them perform confidently and efficiently behind the plate.