Pitch Calling Drill

A Strategic Drill to Develop Catchers’ Pitch-Calling Skills and Build Catcher-Pitcher Rapport

The Pitch Calling Drill teaches catchers the art of pitch selection, helping them develop game-situation awareness, strategy, and stronger communication with pitchers. This drill builds essential decision-making skills to enhance the catcher’s leadership on the field.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★★☆ (Challenging)
Time Estimate: 15-20 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs
  • Pitching mound or practice pitching setup
  • Catcher’s gear for protection
  • A group of pitchers and one or more catchers
  • Clipboard or notebook (optional, for notes on pitch calls and game situations)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The pitcher sets up on the mound or a designated pitching area.
  • The catcher takes position behind home plate, prepared to call pitches based on situational prompts provided by the coach.
  1. Drill Area:
  • This drill works best on a field or bullpen area where the pitcher and catcher can communicate without distraction.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Provides Situational Prompts:
  • The coach provides different game scenarios to the catcher, such as counts (e.g., 1-2, 3-0), number of outs, runner positions (e.g., runners on second and third), and specific batter types (e.g., power hitter, contact hitter).
  • Each situation should mimic realistic game conditions, challenging the catcher to make strategic pitch calls.
  1. Catchers Call Pitches:
  • The catcher calls the pitch type and location based on the game situation and the strengths of the pitcher on the mound. They should consider factors like:
    • Batter tendencies (e.g., struggles with breaking balls)
    • Count-based strategy (e.g., staying aggressive on 0-2 or trying for a groundball on a 2-1 count)
    • Pitcher’s strengths and comfort level (e.g., favoring fastballs or curveballs in key moments)
  • Once the catcher signals, the pitcher delivers the pitch as called. The coach can assess the catcher’s decisions after each pitch or scenario.
  1. Coach Feedback and Adjustments:
  • After each scenario, the coach gives feedback on the catcher’s choices, discussing alternative pitch options or areas for improvement.
  • For example, if the catcher called for a fastball on a 1-2 count but the batter has a tendency to chase off-speed pitches, the coach might suggest calling a breaking ball in that situation.
  1. Repetition of Scenarios:
  • Rotate catchers through different scenarios and pitchers to provide them with diverse situations and give them ample practice. Each scenario should last 2-3 minutes, allowing the catcher to make multiple calls per session.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Pitch Calling Drill is essential for developing a catcher’s ability to strategize, manage game situations, and build rapport with pitchers. A good pitch-caller knows how to read the game, leverage their pitcher’s strengths, and adapt to the batter’s weaknesses. This drill not only enhances the catcher’s game sense but also builds trust and communication with the pitcher, essential qualities for a strong battery.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Strategic Decision-Making: Catchers learn how to read the game situation, understand batter tendencies, and call pitches that optimize success.
  • Pitcher-Catcher Communication: The drill fosters a strong understanding and trust between the pitcher and catcher, improving overall game flow.
  • Game Awareness: Catchers develop a better sense of when to play aggressively and when to go for the safe out or try to induce certain types of contact, such as groundballs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Builds Game IQ: Catchers learn to think strategically and make quick decisions, which translates to smarter play on the field.
  • Improves Catcher-Pitcher Rapport: By working closely with pitchers and making decisions together, catchers and pitchers build mutual respect and understanding.
  • Encourages Leadership: Catchers become more confident in their role as on-field leaders, learning how to communicate effectively and make critical calls.

Cons:

  • Can Be Challenging for Younger Players: The drill requires a high level of game knowledge and awareness, which might be overwhelming for younger or less experienced catchers.
  • Time-Intensive: Setting up various scenarios and providing feedback can be time-consuming, so it may not fit well in practices with limited time.

Coaching Notes & FAQs

Coaching Tips:

  • Encourage Catchers to Explain Their Choices: After each scenario, ask the catcher why they made their pitch selection. This helps you understand their thought process and identify areas for improvement.
  • Focus on Pitcher Comfort: Remind catchers that the pitcher’s comfort with a pitch in certain situations is as important as any strategy. An uncomfortable pitch call can lead to errors in execution.
  • Mix Up Scenarios for Realism: Use a variety of game situations to keep the drill engaging and realistic. Include situations like bases loaded with two outs, late-inning at-bats, or specific batter types.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if my catcher struggles with making pitch selections?
  • Start with basic situations and gradually increase complexity. Focus on teaching catchers fundamental principles of pitch-calling, such as exploiting batter weaknesses, playing to the pitcher’s strengths, and adjusting based on the count.
  1. How do I handle disagreements between pitcher and catcher on pitch selection?
  • Use this as a teaching moment. Encourage catchers to explain their reasoning, and reinforce the importance of mutual respect and trust between the battery. Discuss why the pitcher might feel differently and look for a compromise that considers both players’ perspectives.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • This drill is beneficial 1-2 times per week, especially before games. It’s particularly helpful for refining pitch-calling skills during preseason or leading up to competitive play.
  1. What are common mistakes to watch for during this drill?
  • Common mistakes include relying too heavily on a single pitch type, not adjusting to batter tendencies, or failing to consider the count and game situation. Make sure catchers are using all available information and not defaulting to “safe” calls every time.

The Pitch Calling Drill is a crucial tool for developing knowledgeable, strategic catchers who can lead the game from behind the plate. With regular practice, catchers will gain the skills to make smarter decisions, adapt to game situations, and build a strong connection with their pitchers, ultimately creating a more effective and unified team defense.