Whether you’re a player or a fan, there are some baseball-catching tips from the pros you should keep in mind. The best ones to remember are to shift your weight towards the ball, take a deep breath, and throw the ball with speed. You can also do drills to improve your catching skills, such as the Ladder Block Drill and the Knee Throws Catching Drill.
Knee Throws Catching Drill
Using the principles of a knee throws catching drill, you can improve your catching technique and increase your accuracy. According to catching coach Francisco Cervelli, the catcher’s abilities affect the result of the game. Catchers need speed, agility, and reflexes. They also need to know how to shift positions quickly. These skills will also help catchers prevent runners from stealing.
First, a catcher must know how to transition from blocking a pitch to throwing a ball. This is a skill that can be learned with a variety of drills.
Another skill to learn is how to field a ball. It’s essential to practice throwing the ball while wearing protective gear. Also, catcher’s mitts can be used for throwing tennis balls.
One of the best ways to improve your catching is to practice in a bullpen. This allows you to practice with pitchers and catchers, which will help you better understand their throwing arsenals. It also allows you to practice different speeds.
Ladder Block Drill
Whether you’re a catcher, outfielder, or even a middle infielder, a Ladder Block Drill for Catchers can help you develop your agility and reflexes. Catchers need to be able to react quickly and stay in position to block a pitch. This will improve your speed and help you cover a broader range of fly balls.
First, stand behind a crossover. Cross your right leg behind your left. Then step into the first square with your left foot. Continue the pattern. Next, step into the second square with your right foot.
Next, perform a side-step drill. Stand with your left foot in the first square and your right foot in the second square. This is important because it keeps your feet moving and prevents your legs from becoming stale. Keep going in this pattern for about ten repetitions.
Next, perform a form-blocking drill. This will help you evaluate your blocking position. You can use either a baseball or a throw-down plate. You can also use an incredible to do the drill. This drill helps you develop the strength and muscle control needed to block errant balls in the dirt.
Shifting Their Weight Toward the Ball
Even if a baseball catch may not have been the first thing on your mind, you are shifting your weight to the ball. However, a slight weight shift can enhance your swing.
When you change your weight to the ball, it helps you to create rhythm. It also enhances the potential energy of the swing. The more energy you have towards your target, the easier it will be to hit the ball.
The proper weight shift will also create a torque action for your hands. It will keep your arms from turning backward.
If you shift your weight, your hands will stay where they started. The proper weight shift will allow your bat to stay in the hitting zone for longer.
The best way to do this is to shift your weight to your back leg. This will help you get on top of the baseball and give you more leverage for your swing.
Pop-ups and Fouls
Even if a baseball catch may not have been the first thing on your mind, you are shifting your weight to the ball. However, a slight weight shift can enhance your swing. You must know your position, the wind, and the obstacles you will face during the game. You should also be able to read a pop-up off the bat. You can practice pop-ups during practice or have a coach hit them for you during the game.
Pop-ups and fouls for baseball catching should be practiced at least once a week. A new catcher should also be familiar with the geography of the ball field. You should also know how the wind and sun affect your ability to catch a ball. You should also know the priorities of the different infielders in your area.
The first baseman has the highest priority and should catch anything toward home plate. The second baseman should catch pop-ups in the right-field area, and the corner infielders should catch pop-ups in foul territory.
