Comments on: How to Field From the Catcher Position

on 8/8/2006 Say that you have a runner on third and a runner on first. Well, a way to get that person out is to make a couple of adjustments on that certain play. Move the shortstop in a little toward second base, that's where the runner is trying to advance. Then have the pitcher pitch the ball in there. You don't want it to be a strike because we don't want the batter to hit it. After the pitch is thrown, the catcher jumps up and wails the ball to the shortstop who is supposed to be in front of second base. The runner on third will think that you threw it all the way to second, so the runner will advance. Then shortstop will throw the ball to the catcher to get the runner going home out. This is only put into play if the runner on first tries to advance to second and there is a runner on third too.

on 7/18/2006 When catching an outside wild pitch, you should be pushing off the ground with your foot that is farthest from the ball. Stretch your arm toward the ball and keep your eye on the ball. Make sure you time it perfectly or the ball will sail past you. And it will be harder to run to because you will be off balance and will have to get up quickly.

on 6/30/2006 What you should do is find the ball in the air, take off your mask, and because the ball spins toward the infield, you should turn your back to them. If you can catch it, you have it made.

on 6/30/2006 When a ball gets thrown into the dirt, you should drop down to your knees in front of the ball, your glove should be in between your legs touching the ground (inside facing the ball), with the other hand behind the glove. Then shrug your shoulders and touch your chin to your chest. If you do it right you should stop the ball!

on 11/22/2005 If there is a man on first and a man on third, the runner on second pretty much has a stolen base. If you (the catcher) throws down to second, the man on third can score. Here is a tested way of getting the runner on third out. Get into your runners on base position (butt up, hand behind glove). When you see the man on first take off, pop up like you are going to attempt to throw him out. Instead of throwing to second base, throw it right back to the pitcher! Be sure to throw it hard, like you are actually throwing to second. The third base coach will probably have the runner take a few steps or even try to go home. Now, depending on where the runner is, have your pitcher throw it to the according base, Example: If the runner is going home, have the pitcher throw to home plate, if he is going to try to go back, have the pitcher throw to third. The best part about this play is that if your pitcher makes a bad throw to third, the runner will be really confused, making it even simpler to throw him out should he try to go home on the bad throw.

on 11/22/2005 If you don't have time to turn your back to the infield (to catch the pop fly), try to line it up where it is on the top of your head. It should fall at about an arms length by the time it gets to your glove.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure you have a strong, accurate arm which allows you to snap throw to either 3rd or 1st from your knees. Also, be able to think on the run.

on 11/22/2005 If the ball is popped up behind you, find the ball, then throw your mask away. Also, remember as the ball comes down, it has "infield drift," meaning the ball will spin toward the infield. Move back slightly so the ball does not land behind you.

on 11/22/2005 When the throw is coming in, set up in fair territory, in front of the plate. Once the ball is gloved and covered w/my meat hand, I get my left shingaurd across the baseline and get small. A slide hits plastic/a charge gets a faceful of backstop.