|
Strong
catching skills do not come natural. They must be developed
through proper teaching, training and practice. Top quality
catchers not only have above average arms, they are great
defensive players too! These skills are often overlooked until
they decide "single-handedly" the outcome of a game.
Then it becomes evident that ample time must be dedicated to this
position. Every game's outcome is affected by catching skills.
Aggressive base running teams always exploit "weak"
catchers. Runs scored on passed balls are "moral
killers" for the team!
Pitch
location determines the techniques used to block it. On pitches
wide to either side, the catcher should take a step to the pitch
side and toward first or third base while dropping your backside
knee down in the same direction. The catcher should tuck the
shoulders forward keeping the chin and rear end low. The mitt
should be on the ground to block the "leg hole". The
catcher should try to "get outside" the ball and angle
it back to the plate if possible....MIDDLE BLOCKS...The catcher
should drop straight down, fan the legs outward, and place the
mitt between" the legs. The main concern is to block the ball
and keep it in front.
5
COACHING POINTS
1) When the
mitt is placed down, it should be tilted slightly forward and down
to prevent the ball from being "ramped" upward into the
catcher's chin.
2) The
outside pitch should be "rounded " to the inside. Tell
her to "get outside" the ball and try to bounce it
toward the middle and front of the plate.
3) Make sure
she tucks her chin down to prevent injury.
4) Make sure
the upper body is bent forward to force the ball's bounce
downward.
5) It is
best that the "chest protector" not be strapped too
tightly. This causes the ball to bounce off harder and farther.
Have a bit of slack or loose fit that will "deaden" the
ball's bounce. However, it should not be so loose to hamper
throwing or fielding.
excerpt from
Hit2win Fastpitch Monthly. |
