Catching: "The Stance 101" By: Reggie Davis

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Catching
“The Stance 101”

OVERVIEW

Outside of the mental aspect the stance of a catcher is the foundation of catching. As a catcher we need that foundation so that we can build the complete structure of a catcher. With a solid foundation it allows us to become more versatile and stable as a catcher.




COMMON MISTAKES

1. Feet too close together
2. Receiving arm extended to far
3. Receiving elbow inside of knee
4. Receiving elbow resting on the knee
5. Throwing hand exposed

WITH NO RUNNERS ON (REGULAR)

1. FEET

The feet should be about shoulder width with toes facing straight ahead. From this position you will squat down. (It is uncomfortable at first, but most are used to squatting with a feet close together – causes a unstable foundation)

1. RECEIVING ARM

The receiving arm should be bent at an approximate 45 degree angle with the fingers of the glove facing toward 2 o'clock. The elbow should stay outside of the knee (receiving side).
**The arm bent at a 45 degree angle allows you to receive the ball softly, a straight arms causes hard hands and takes away the ability to receive that ball correctly.
**The glove facing at 2 o'clock allows us to receive the ball correctly (Receiving 101)


**The elbow outside of the knee allows us to move freely through the zone to receive the ball.

1. THROWING ARM

The first rule with the throwing arm is to close it up. Put your thumb in the palm and wrap your fingers around it. This prevents the baseball from driving your finger into your hand. You want to put your hand behind the foot (throwing hand side), DO NOT put your hand in the small of your back. This caused tension n the shoulder and could cause injury. The second place you can put your throwing hand is in the front of you. With a closed hand you will take your hand and place it at the bottom of your sternum (thumb first). This is my preference, makes the transition to the stance with runners on base easier.



STANCE WITH RUNNERS ON BASE (BLOCK/THROW)

1. FEET

The feet are the same as the regular stance, you can spread them a bit if you chose. DO NOT sit with your body angled, keep shoulders squared toward the pitcher (Blocking 101)


**Most young catcher want to sit elevated which caused tension and limits their mobility. This causes slower footwork (Footwork 101)

1. RECEIVING

The same as the regular stance

1. THROWING ARM

The throwing arm will stay wrapped up but will be placed in the front position to allow for a quicker exchange if needed.