There are 9 different positions in baseball.
Arguably one of the most important positions is catcher.
The catcher is involved in every play and plays a significant role in calling pitchers, catching and framing pitches, blocking balls in the dirt and throwing out base runners.
The catcher is often a leader and plays a significant role in the outcome of the game.
How To Be A Catcher in Baseball?
Anyone that wants to be a catcher should work on squatting, blocking balls in the dirt, calling pitches, framing pitches and making a quick release to cut down base runners. Ultimately, the catcher should also work on being a great leader and being tough, as it can be a difficult and tiring position.
Unlike other positions in baseball, the catcher is constantly involved. Prior to every pitch, they are ensuring the defense is properly set and calling a pitch for the pitcher to throw.
To play catcher at the high school level or beyond, it takes a high level of skill and a big level of commitment.
Baseball Related Skills for the Catcher
- Squatting and developing strong legs
- Calling pitches
- Blocking balls in the dirt
- Framing pitches
- Quick release and strong throws
Catcher Skills: Squatting and Developing Strong Legs
A player interested in playing catcher can work on squatting and holding that position for 30 seconds at a time. The catcher spends a great deal of time in the squatting position. This is a position that the catcher starts each pitch in and is ready to slide and block a ball in the dirt or come up out of the squat position to throw a would-be base stealer out. Overall, the catcher must have strong legs and be mobile in this position to make the necessary play.
Catcher Skills: Calling Pitches
As the player moves up to older levels of baseball, pitchers will start to throw curve balls and off speed pitches to try to mess with the batter’s timing and comfort level. The best catchers are able to develop a feel for the game or work off a scouting report to guide the pitcher to the perfect pitch in each situation. The best way to build this skill is to watch plenty of professional or college level games and watch how a pitcher attacks certain hitters. Also, having quality recall from previous at-bats is helpful.
Catcher Skills: Blocking Balls in the Dirt
Maybe one of the most important skills. Being able to block balls in the dirt keeps base runners from advancing and giving up easy runs. When a pitcher knows the catcher can stop just about any pitch, they can have confidence to throw a breaking ball in the dirt. The catcher must practice this skill frequently and work on getting the knees on the ground and squaring up. The best catchers are vital to a teams overall success and blocking balls in the dirt is a very important skill to develop!
Catcher Skills: Framing Pitches
There are plenty of youtube videos on how to frame pitches. It is part science and part art. The best catchers can get the borderline pitch to be called a strike. While Major League Umpires can be difficult to fool, the lower the level the better chance of fooling the umpire. The key is to not make it obvious and use subtle movements with the glove. Once again, it is a skill that needs to be developed and practiced on a regular basis.
Here is an excellent video on how to frame pitches:
Catcher Skills: Quick Release and Strong Throws
The final skill for today is the ability for the catcher to shoot up out of his squat and develiver a strong, accurate throw to 2nd or 3rd base to throw out the potential base stealer. The best catchers have a quick release with a short arm-like throw that gets rid of the ball quickly. Footwork is essential as well as a strong arm. The anticipation and footwork will set up the catcher for success. The catcher should work on a quick release and throwing to the correct side of the base. It is a combination of accuracy, speed, and location of throw to make a great throwing catcher.
Final Thoughts: How To Be A Catcher in Baseball
Most Little League coaches are looking for someone that is willing to play the game and have a tough mentality. Catchers must be physically and mentally tough and be the leader that the team needs. The position is tiring and can be difficult on hot and humid days. Being in shape and ready for the day’s challenge is important to the overall success.
Other Traits That Coaches Are Looking for in a Catcher
- Leadership
- Strong mindset
- Hustle
- Fearless
- Committed
Next Steps: Practice
Test out some of your skills and read our other posts associated with the different positions in baseball. Baseball should be a fun game and there are different positions that are options based on your skill set, size and mentality.
