The Life Of A Catcher

Every aspect of a catcher's "GAME" is important, and although most coaches would say that their receiving and blocking ability are the most important, their throwing ability is normally the "measuring stick" by which opponents and peers judge their defense. Their value to the team is often based on how they throw to the bases.  

Most would agree that a catcher who possesses a strong and accurate throwing arm with a quick release will always add to a team's success. This combination of attributes is ideal, but also RARE.

With all that said, there are a few important components to a "strong throwing arm."  Those components are listed below.

LONG TOSS:

If you want to get your chest stronger, what do you do? You do bench press and push ups, etc.  You want to get your legs stronger, you do squats and lunges, etc.  You want to get your arm stronger... you need to throw and work out your "throwing muscles!"  Although some coaches aren't, I'm a big fan of...

Your catcher worked their tail off, they put in the extra effort, you guys were expecting a great season. But your season was a flop, how do you handle it?

As funny as it may sound, sometimes it's good to feel that disappointment and frustration. It can be a huge motivator to work harder. I remember when I was younger thinking I was working "hard" when the reality was, I needed to work much harder. A couple of quotes that come to mind are "You think practice and training are boring? Try sitting the bench." And, "Good things come to those who... work hard." So I guess my advice to your catcher would be to let them feel the pain and frustration of having the blah season for a bit... let them "marinate" in their funk. Then, maybe after a week or two (or only a few days), ask them how THEY think their season went.

What went good and what went not so good.

Was it their hitting that lacked?

Their throwing?

 Blocking?

Have them figure out what their...

FIRST INNING: 1 for 1 blocking balls in the dirt, threw runner out at second, singled and scored.
SECOND INNING: 3 for 3 blocking balls in the dirt (no one scored on wild pitch), tagged a runner out on play at the plate and caught a pop up.
THIRD INNING: 3 for 3 blocking balls in the dirt, made great play on bunt up third baseline, sac fly for RBI.
FOURTH INNING: 1 for 1 blocking balls in dirt, threw runner out at third, walked and scored.
FIFTH INNING: 1 for 2 blocking balls in the dirt (runner got to second on wild pitch but didn't score).
SIXTH INNING: 4 for 4 blocking balls in the dirt, gave up stolen base (didn't score), singled and stole second.
SEVENTH INNING: 3 for 4 blocking balls in the dirt. *The one that got by let the winning run score.*
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GAME OFFENSIVE STATS: 2 hits, one walk, one RBI, one SB, 2 runs scored.

GAME DEFENSIVE STATS: 16 for 18 on balls in the dirt. Two caught stealing. Three assists. 7 put outs.
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Not a bad game IF your team had...

The four key components (in my opinion) to playing at the collegiate level (and beyond):

1. Skill work - Practice your craft and practice it often.
2. Strength & Agility - One you get your mechanics consistent, get stronger and quicker through physical training.
3. Mental/Emotional - Train your brain as much as you train your body. Controlling your emotions, understanding the importance of confidence and learning the "Three D's" (Dream, Dedication & Discipline) are paramount.
4. Academics - You can't succeed on the field if you aren't succeeding in the classroom first. We are called student-athletes NOT athlete-students.

Are you or your catcher covering ALL the bases or just one or two?  Follow your Dream (of playing in the big leagues?); Stay Dedicated and work hard on each component (work ethic); And finally, stay disciplined, avoiding all of the distractions that come with being a student-athlete (social life).

These are not in order of importance as they are ALL keys...

Often forgotten and/or misunderstood responsibilities of a catcher:

Most catchers, parents and coaches are aware of the “standard” responsibilities of a catcher including receiving, blocking, throwing, tag plays, force plays, bunt plays, pop ups and retrieving passed balls and wild pitches. 

Some that are either forgotten about or at least misunderstood responsibilities are the following:

1. Backing up first base on a ground ball to the infield.  When there are no runners on base or sometimes a runner on 1st base only, it is our job to hustle down to back up the throw from the infielder.  We and the right fielder (and even the pitcher) need to be there if the ball kicks away or gets by the 1st baseman.

2. Covering 3rd on a bunt to the third baseman with a runner on first.  If the 3rd baseman and pitcher both converge on a bunt down the third baseline, it is our job (not the shortstop who will be covering 2nd) to cover third to prevent the base runner...