As I stated in a previous post, my son (14U catcher) is not the most vocal guy around. You all gave some excellent advice and I thought I would start to help my son (step by step) if you will. Your comments are appreciated. Goals for spring ball:
1. Rah Rah is not necessary but can’t hurt
2. As an out is made – yell number of outs loud enough for outfielders to hear
3. Plays to any infield cut off - yell base
4. Game situations – position infield – he has a good grasp of baseball knowledge
5. Acknowledging good pitches – wave of glove or whatever
6. Pitchers – when pitcher is struggling – call time walk out and ask what the pitcher wants to throw (real reason for visit – get him to take a breath or two)
7. Be the first to get to the pitcher on 3rd out
8. Acknowledging good plays in field – not sure how yet
Probably the biggest thing is you OWN the field and you want an out more then anything (that will take some work – he understands that when he is pitching but maybe not as much as when he is catching).
When allowed to, he calls a very good game. More and more the coaches let him call the pitches. He normally is the dirtiest (uniform wise) player on the field and comes home exhausted after a game. He is also “one of the guys”.
Not sure how to “practice” any of this. Just thought I would review it with him on a regular basis and compliment him when he does it….any thoughts???
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