STANCE
A catcher can assume two different types of stances. One is used without runners
on base and less than two strikes, and one is with two strikes on the hitter or
runners on base. For the most part, both stances have similar qualities. The major
difference is preparing your body to block pitches at the appropriate times.
Without runners on base and less than two strikes on a hitter, the catcher will
have their weight resting on their instep. A catchers center of gravity should
not allow them to get caught lunging at pitches or falling forward.
The feet should be tow-to instep with each other. For a right-handed catcher,
the left foot should be slightly ahead of the right foot. Balance should be evenly
distributed over both feet. This will allow you to shift in any direction without
any obstruction.
The glove arm should assume a relaxed position. The fingers should be pointed
up and be tension free. The elbow should rest under or slightly angled away, not
to the side of the hand so that the fingers are horizontal. The catchers elbow
should also rest slightly outside the knee.
There are few different positions for the throwing arm to rest without runners
on base and with less than two strikes. The most important aspect is to keep it
out of harms way. It can either rest behind the back or the leg.
Your brain should be focused. You must maintain your intensity for the entire
game. The team can't afford to have a lapse in concentration from their catcher.
Be ready for all situations that could occur.
With a runner on base, or with no runners on and two strikes, the catcher must
make an adjustment. There is no change in weight, feet placement and glove arm
positioning. However, there are other changes with the throwing arm, feet placement,
and brain functions.
The throwing arm should move from behind you body to behind the glove. Place a
closed fist behind your glove. There may be a fear that the hand will be hit by
a foul ball. However, foul balls change plains. If you closed hand is behind you
glove as you attempt to catch the baseball, you will be protected. The major advantage
for placing your throwing hand begin your glove is to better facilitate a quicker
glove to the hand exchange when you need to throw. if your throwing arm is placed
behind your back or leg, it will take you longer to exchange the ball from your
glove to your hand and throw, as opposed to having the throwing hand right next
to your glove.
Don't sacrifice your target. A common idea is for the catcher to raise up in their
stance into a "more athletic" position. However, when you do this you also put
your glove in a higher position. This gives a pitcher a higher target and also
gives him a false sense of security. Keep the target low and be prepared to block
all balls in the dirt, retrieve all balls in the dirt, throw all retrieved balls,
and be prepared for any situation.
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