OHS CATCHING PHILOSOPHY

(BASED ON U OF M / SEATTLE MARINER CATCHER - DAN WILSON)

PUBLISHED BY OHS VARSITY BASEBALL

1.)  Importance of Catching

    a.  Only facing the "right way"

    b.  Hustle is always important

        i.  Position players see first hand how you play

        ii.  If you slack - they will slack as well

2.)  Priorities of Catching

    a.  Get pitcher through the game (Know their strengths and weaknesses)

    b.  Catch or block the ball

    c.  Throwing runners out

    d.  Hitting

3.)  Stances

    a.  No runners on base

        i.  Relax, low target, inside of feet, and open glove

    b.  Runners on base

        i.  Athletic stance, heel / toe, butt high, and fist behind glove

4.)  Catching the ball (framing)

    a.  Make the strikes look more like strikes

    b.  Thumb up on the inside pitch

    c.  "Stick" the outside pitch

5.)  Blocking

    a.  Body Position (Hand behind mitt)

    b.  Angle to keep ball on plate (Chest over knees)

    c.  Pick up the ball with hands