Catcher Pop-Up Drill

A Drill to Train Catchers on Locating and Catching High Pop-Ups in Unpredictable Locations

The Catcher Pop-Up Drill teaches catchers how to track and catch high pop-ups, simulating game situations where they need to react quickly to balls hit in unpredictable spots near home plate.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs or tennis balls (a softer ball can be used to build confidence and reduce fear of missing)
  • A fungo bat or pitching machine (for accuracy in high pop-ups)
  • Protective gear for the catcher (helmet, chest protector, and shin guards)
  1. Field Positioning:
  • The catcher starts in a crouched position behind home plate, prepared to pop up into action.
  • The coach or assistant stands 10-15 feet away with the fungo bat or pitching machine, ready to create high pop-ups.
  1. Drill Area:
  • The drill should be conducted in an open area around home plate, allowing the catcher enough room to move laterally and track pop-ups without interference.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Position yourself 10-15 feet in front of or beside the catcher, depending on the direction you want to send the pop-up. Make sure there’s enough space for the catcher to track the ball.
  1. Pop-Up Execution:
  • Using a fungo bat or pitching machine, hit or launch a high pop-up into the air, aiming for different locations around the catcher to simulate unpredictable game situations.
  • Vary the direction and height of each pop-up, alternating between directly above, to the left, to the right, and slightly in front of the catcher. This forces them to react and move in all directions.
  • The catcher’s job is to locate the ball quickly, track it into their glove, and secure it using proper catching form.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each catcher should attempt 8-10 pop-ups per round. Rotate catchers or allow brief rest periods between rounds to avoid fatigue and ensure focus.
  1. Variations:
  • For more advanced catchers, increase the difficulty by creating spin or using different angles, such as higher or shallower pop-ups, to improve adaptability.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Catcher Pop-Up Drill is essential for developing a catcher’s ability to locate, track, and catch high pop-ups. In games, catchers often need to react quickly to high balls hit near home plate, which are notoriously tricky due to spin, wind, and the angles involved. This drill builds the catcher’s awareness, agility, and confidence in handling these situations, making them more reliable and responsive in game scenarios.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Tracking and Locating: The drill sharpens a catcher’s ability to pick up and track the ball quickly in the air.
  • Footwork and Body Control: The drill improves footwork and body control, as the catcher must move fluidly to get under the ball and set up for the catch.
  • Confidence in High-Catch Situations: Repetition of this drill builds a catcher’s confidence in making challenging, high-altitude catches in unpredictable areas.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Realistic Game Simulation: Mimics real game conditions, helping catchers improve their reaction time and field awareness.
  • Improves Tracking Skills: Teaches catchers to react quickly to balls in various locations around home plate, enhancing their field coverage.
  • Boosts Confidence: Builds the confidence needed to handle difficult high pop-ups under pressure, reducing errors in games.

Cons:

  • Physical Demand: The drill can be physically demanding on catchers, requiring careful monitoring to avoid fatigue or injury.
  • Requires Precision: Coaches need accuracy with fungo bats or pitching machines to create effective, realistic pop-ups.
  • Potential for Missteps: Novice catchers may find it difficult to track pop-ups initially, leading to missed balls or confusion.

Coaching Notes & FAQs

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Footwork First: Emphasize footwork, reminding the catcher to take quick steps to adjust to the pop-up’s location before worrying about making the catch.
  • Teach Verbal Cues: Encourage catchers to use verbal cues like “I got it!” to build communication skills that are crucial during game situations when pop-ups may involve other fielders.
  • Eye on the Ball: Remind the catcher to keep their eyes on the ball until it reaches their glove. If they lose sight of it, they should work on tracking it back as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How do I help a catcher who consistently loses the ball in the air?
  • Encourage them to stay calm and take small steps to get their body under the ball. If needed, slow down the drill and use softer balls until they build confidence in tracking.
  1. What should I do if the catcher keeps moving too much and losing balance?
  • Remind the catcher to plant their feet when they get under the ball. Quick, controlled steps are key to getting set and balanced before making the catch.
  1. Can this drill be adapted for younger players?
  • Yes, for younger catchers, use softer balls and shorter pop-ups. As they improve, increase the height and vary the locations gradually.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • This drill can be run once or twice per week, as part of catcher training. It’s a great addition to a comprehensive fielding routine for catchers, especially before games.

The Catcher Pop-Up Drill is invaluable for training catchers to handle high, unpredictable pop-ups near home plate. With regular practice, catchers will build the skills and confidence needed to make these challenging catches consistently in games, improving their defensive capabilities and overall performance on the field.