How to Catch a Pitcher

Playing catcher is one of the most physically grueling positions in all of sports. If you have what it takes - or if every other position on your recreational team is filled - follow these steps for catching a pitcher's throws.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Sit in a crouching position approximately 2 feet behind home plate. Play close to the batter, but not so close that you get hit by a swing.

2. Crouch down with your knees facing the pitcher.

3. Put your glove between your knees to hide the signs you give to the pitcher, which are sent to you by the first and third base coaches.

4. Give the pitcher the sign with your hand behind the glove. Watch for the pitcher's acceptance of the sign.

5. Position your glove as a target. Leave the glove open in the spot where the pitch is to be thrown.

6. Put your throwing hand behind the mitt to help you make the catch, or to keep the ball protected with your body, depending on what your manager directs.

7. Shift your body weight onto the balls of your feet to be as mobile as possible. If no runners are on base, you can sit in a more relaxed position.

8. Catch the ball in the open pocket of your glove. Use your throwing hand to keep the ball contained in your mitt. If the pitch bounces in the dirt or is off-target, use your body to keep the ball in front of you.

9. Unless a runner is stealing or the pitch is hit, stay in your crouch until catching the ball to avoid blocking the umpire's view of the pitch.

10. "Frame" the pitch for the umpire. To do so, quickly move your glove toward the middle of your body (and behind home plate) as soon as the ball hits your glove. This technique may sway the umpire to call a close pitch a strike.

Tips & Warnings

• Catchers are mostly right-handed fielders, especially in the big leagues.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[glamazon19]

on 12/15/2007 i have a question. im a catcher for my softball team and im bearly starting and im having a lot of problems catching the ball right. it either goes on my palm or right where my index finger starts and i get a lot of bruises? can anyone give me some tips on how to catch better? am i doing anything wrong??

on 8/8/2006 Talk to your pitcher before the game. Be sure he understands your signs. Listen to how he wants to pitch in certain situations, so you know what you can expect on the field. Don't get upset if he shakes you on a breaking pitch call, his arm might be tired and unable to deliver at that time.

on 8/8/2006 To be honest, the hand should never really be behind your back. I've been catching for my entire 16 year baseball career, and it should be either in your crotch area, or, with runners on base, in a fist behind the glove. The fist will protect your fingers, and it makes the time from hand to ball a lot faster.

on 8/8/2006 Since MLB catchers are the best there are, my suggestion is just to watch them, and see where they put their hand when a runner is on, or when there is no runner on. This way you don't have a chance of getting false information, because you know this is obviously a great way to play catcher.

on 3/16/2006 A lot of people say to put your hand behind your back, but the truth is that it is way faster if you put your catching hand right behind your leg. Your leg will protect your hand so it won't get hit.