Is there a technique that can be taught on when a catcher blocks a ball but it ends up at the catchers or umpires feet. The catcher just has a hard time finding that ball on occasion. Any thoughts?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Your pitcher should be pointing and yelling the location of the ball.
Larry, that brings up a pet peeve of mine: the frequently-seen lack of communication from pitcher to catcher.
I was watching a pitcher-catcher camp at a well-rated D1 where I knew the coaches well, and on pop fouls they were actually teaching the pitchers to yell "up, up" on pop fouls. Up? No kidding?! How about pointing and yelling "Back, third base, first base" or (in this case) "feet". (Oops. They fiixed that little oversight after the break.)
The pitcher is looking at the situation, the catcher is either trying to prevent a runner from advancing (as in the case mentioned or on a WP or PB)or get the foul out, and (more times than not) the pitcher is watching and hoping.
Like too many aspects of catching, this is simply not taught. It is, however, one that the boys can 'teach' themselves.
I was watching a pitcher-catcher camp at a well-rated D1 where I knew the coaches well, and on pop fouls they were actually teaching the pitchers to yell "up, up" on pop fouls. Up? No kidding?! How about pointing and yelling "Back, third base, first base" or (in this case) "feet". (Oops. They fiixed that little oversight after the break.)
The pitcher is looking at the situation, the catcher is either trying to prevent a runner from advancing (as in the case mentioned or on a WP or PB)or get the foul out, and (more times than not) the pitcher is watching and hoping.
Like too many aspects of catching, this is simply not taught. It is, however, one that the boys can 'teach' themselves.
It's a good point Orlando. I have always preached communication. WE used the term 5 for the 5 hole when a catcher couldn't find the ball. The reason we came up with this is that just feet, got him looking down but not behind his feet. The pitcher and infielders would holler out to the catcher in practice and games, but us coaches were also hollering during games for both pops and PB's & WP's. Communication wins lots of games.
well its all a lot better than the "behind you!" i get. lol, thanks for the help, dad
