Pitchers, Pitchers, Pitchers. What about Catchers?

[Stubs]

My oldest DD is a pitcher and the younger, a catcher. There is no shortage of discussions about pitchers and pitching topics, but not much (if any that I can remember) about catchers.

I ran across The New England Catching Camp run by a gentleman named Dave Weaver. www.catchingcamp.com. Has anyone had any experience with Mr. Weaver and his program?

[Stubs]

O.K. 66 views and no responses. Let me ask a different/additional question. What do you or your team do to work specifically with catchers?

[wadeintothem]

They are not responding because its all about the pitcher.. you coaches dont work enough with catchers. ESPECIALLY 10-14U the skill level of pitchers so far exceed that of the catcher it can be quite a terrible experience.

[noclu13]

I have never met Dave but have spoken to him several times. He seems to be very knowledgeable about the catching position. I have picked up several good tips from him and would have him work with my catchers if I was anywhere close to him.
I do steal stuff regularly from his website and have found him very helpful.

As far as what else do we do, we work with some college catchers to help ours to improve. Look around at some of the hitting academys. They usually do other things besides just hitting. Frequently you can find a catcher who is willing to offer lessons.

Other than that I would use sources like Dave. Also research DVD's to increase your knowledge.

[Pridefpsb17]

Our organization has a regular catching practice once a week for 10s and 12s. We meet 45 minutes before pitchers arrive for their session.

The first 45 min are spent on catcher specific drills (blocking, throws to bases, situations, etc. and yes, even working with umpires ). Then they work with the pitchers.

[Coach11]

O.K. 66 views and no responses. Let me ask a different/additional question. What do you or your team do to work specifically with catchers?

We are lucky, in that we have an excess of available catchers. Two, who see regular game time duty....and this season, we will have three who are capable of handling the duties of pitcher warm up, and batting practice.

It is during those times, that we work with our game time catchers running drills on blocking, setup, transition, etc.

We will rotate in one of the other (the strongest) three alternates to work on drills as well.

During situationals, at least four and perhaps all five will see time behind the dish.

As pitchers are always in need of catchers when working with thier pitching coaches, I always recomend that our catchers volunteer to partner up and make themselves available for their teammates. The repetition alone is great for developing reflexes.

[Izzy's Dad]

My DD's team spend about 45 minutes at practice working with the pitchers and catchers together. Plus, my DD takes her catcher to lessons with her once a week. Her pitching coach, my DD, and I realize the importance of the catcher. IMO, if you don't have a good catcher, you don't have a good pitcher. There had to be a bond and a comfort level there.

The pitcher only has to worry about the batter she is facing. If the batter is gets on base, there is really not much she can do about it. She must move on to the next batter. The catcher on the other hand, has so much to focus on. The pitch, the batter, the runners, the umpires, etc, all at the same time. She is the only one who can see everything that is going on during the game.

IMO, the catcher is probably the toughest and most fearless player on the field (well 3rd baseman, too). It's a rare breed to find someone who has what it takes.

I am just giving my opinion as a 12U dad.

[DonnieS]

She is the only one who can see everything that is going on during the game.

IMO, the catcher is probably the toughest and most fearless player on the field (well 3rd baseman, too). It's a rare breed to find someone who has what it takes.

I am just giving my opinion as a 12U dad.

Same feeling here - my catcher's dad put it like this 'My kid's job is to make your kid look good.' And she does one heck of a job. My kid has been fortunate to have two very good catchers with her since she was 9. One is a super star athlete that can and does play other positions, ss, 3b, the other is a superbly focused athlete that works her butt off to be the best she can at everything. I would adopt either or both if given the chance.

[Tucson]

Callista Balko gives private catching lessons around here, so anyone that is serious goes to her. Other than that, catchers are just being taught what little their coaches may know.

I think that private lessons and clinics are great for catchers. I use Dave's DVD and sent it to my niece that is a catcher.

I stress icing those catching knees and arms, but I don't see many other coaches doing that.

I remember when DD pitched, the catchers didn't even know to move the target around. She was lucky to get a target.

[Stubs]

Callista Balko gives private catching lessons around here, so anyone that is serious goes to her. Other than that, catchers are just being taught what little their coaches may know.

I think that private lessons and clinics are great for catchers. I use Dave's DVD and sent it to my niece that is a catcher.

I stress icing those catching knees and arms, but I don't see many other coaches doing that.

I remember when DD pitched, the catchers didn't even know to move the target around. She was lucky to get a target.

So what did you think of the DVD? Anything in it that you have never heard before or is it pretty basic?