Footwork for right knee down. Location of throw in the sliding pit vs. over the bag

Side view of throws. Stop at front foot contact with ground. Some checkpoints. Head center, think of elbows being on a table, throwing hand in any spot except under elbow or back beyond elbow.

Ideas for controlling the running game

⭐️ Developing the next generation of stars.  🇺🇸 Announcing our 2026 16U/17U National Team Development Program coaching staff. 👇

Receiving data ideas for summer. 1. Keep track each game how many P’s caught and how many drops. 2. Pitchers caught in game 1st P K%, 1-1 count K%, 2-1 K %, amount of BB’s 3. Pitches caught total not swung at by batter that are called K’s. Exclude obvious pitches out of zone.

Pre game work with catchers. Have a plan. Get eyes and hands ready, blocks, transfer and footwork. Don’t always need a coach with you. Can be done solo or grab a teammate for help. Find a routine, plan and have variety in it

Catching Camp- June 29-30 at Carson-Newman University. Grades 7th-HS covering all fundamentals and drills! For more information and to sign up go to www.carsonnewmanbaseball.totalcamps Or email tgriffin@cn.edu

Warm up for training or before receiving. Grippers, Plyo ball drops and rips, heavy ball catches, disc catches. 1 or 2 quick sets to get ready for bullpen setting or receiving drills

Warm up for blocks or before training. React and read. Being a better mover can help you as a catcher

2 ball rapid. Short hop pick followed by ball out of zone up. Working both extremes. 3 keys to receiving 1. Catch Everything. 2. Keep a strike a strike 3. Win the stri-ball (pitches on border of K zone). 3 key counts. 0-0/1-1/2-1

Reminder for catchers to PREPARE the umpire for the pitcher you are catching. Give the umpire a quick scouting report on your guys arsenal. FB movement, shape of breaking ball, what area of zone he is most effective, ect. Want to make sure umpire not caught off guard by a pitch because of how it plays. Example: “Hey Tim (Umpire) this reliever Nolan Ryan has an explosive FB at top of the zone. Where we plan to live. CB is a hammer 12-6 shape. Will use change vs lefties that sinks. Hasn’t walked anyone since he was 12 yrs old.” Exchange can be quick. Main thing is to make sure ump is not caught off guard by a pitch in a big situation.

Catching Camp for 7th graders thru HS players. Covering all fundamentals, drills, leadership training! June 29-30 from 9am-2:30pm at Carson-Newman University. To sign up go to www.carsonnewmanbaseball.totalcamps For more information please email Tom Griffin at tgriffin@cn.edu

Delay steal (IMO) is called more with a LH hitter in the box. Hitter is blocking catchers view (offense is also looking for MIF reaction and movement after pitch). Trying to catch defense off guard. One way to defend against is to verbalize (C and INF) “Watch delay” (before 1st pitch and even after a couple pitches) Letting O team and coach you are aware of possible play.

Combo work with machine. Work up receiving, dry block work, footwork steal

Ickey shuffle with catch and block/pic

Ping pong ball catches. Can create lot of movement (especially windy days), harder to catch because of how light ball is

Rapid Fire changing stances. Pre game or training

Tennessee HS baseball opening day tomorrow! Wishes for 1: Rain only on Sundays 2: Concession stand profits higher than ever before 3. No injuries 4. All parents of players happy with all decisions made by staff 5. Teams support their team and zero trash talking or comments made to other team. Respect the game! Best of luck

Pre game warm up without a coach that catchers can do for warm up. Working on movement patterns/fundamentals (Small@med ball is 4 to 6 lbs. Large med ball is 10lbs)

Catchers need to move around plate area to give best chance to handle throws and make a play. Some you can move up to catch and come back to plate (avoid short hop). Some you can back up. All dependent on time you have. Internal clock in head. With time get a throw you can handle