Arlington, Virginia
Catching Mechanics*


Playing catcher is fun and challenging. Protective equipment, including a cup, is required to catch in practices or games. The basic mechanics involved in playing catcher are laid out below.
- Starting Position: The catcher should position himself behind the plate and more than an arm’s length away from the rear leg of the hitter (e.g., the catcher could not quite touch the leg if he reaches) to be far enough back from the batter to avoid being hit by a swing and remain close enough to set up a good target for strikes and to receive most pitches comfortably.
- Showing the Signs: When showing pitchers the signs, the catcher holds his fingers against the right thigh (assuming a right-handed catcher) with the glove resting in front of the left knee to shield the signs from the third base coach. After giving the sign, the catcher shifts from a relaxed starting position to the ready position by hopping or walking a short step with left then right foot.
- Ready Position: When getting to the ready position, catchers adjust their weight to the balls of their feet with their thighs parallel to the ground. To maintain flexibility in the crouch position, the catcher should have his feet apart beyond his shoulders, and his right foot a few inches behind a parallel line with his left foot and his elbows bent slightly. The glove is held out (without locking the elbow) just beyond the knees and in the strike zone.
- Receiving the Ball: As the pitcher begins his motion, the catcher should relax his wrist on the glove hand – like a hinge – then raise up the glove to create relaxed receiving hands, i.e., to avoid freezing the hand and arm muscles during the pitch. If no runners are on base, the catcher should hold his right hand behind himself; with runners on base, the hand should be in a fist behind the glove.
- Throwing to Bases: When attempting to throw out runners (on steals or pick-off plays), the catcher should take a short, controlled step (to avoid high throws) and throw overhand with backspin (to avoid tailing). The catcher should avoid stepping on the plate. Depending on age and arm strength, a catcher may need to bounce his throw into second base in order to keep the throw low, accurate, and quick.
- Blocking Pitches in the Dirt: Catchers do not catch – but instead block and control – bounced pitches. To block a ball, a catcher drops to his knees in front of the pitch, puts his mitt to the ground between his legs (with his right hand open and completely underneath the glove for safety), his elbows in against his torso, and his chin down on his chest. (Coaches may want to use safety or tennis balls in blocking drills.)
- Fielding Bunts and Dribblers: Catchers should spring up and arc a slight bit around a ball bunted or hit to the left side of the infield so that he has a better body position to throw to first. On balls up the first base line, the catcher, if time permits, should scoop up the ball, then drop-step his right foot away from the line to gain a better throwing angle to first base. (Catchers scoop up balls with both hands because the catcher’s mitt is not shaped for fielding ground balls.)
*By Casey R. Triggs, Commissioner, Majors I, Arlington Little League, Spring 2003.

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