New Catching Book

I just read the description on the website and it sounds good. Is the focus of the book more on skills and drills or game management/strategy/pitch calling?? i ask bc there it seems that there are few "good" resources for catchers to understand game management. Thanks. 

This book is all inclusive.it covers EVERYTHING.All skills + huge game management & pitch calling element.

JW

I have looked at the book and can confirm that it's really good!  There aren't many good resources out there for catchers, but this one definitely goes on the list!

Ian, if you don't want to promote your book i will do it for you ...your book on catching is one of the best I have read; very easy read and easier to implement.  I use it to setup practice plan for our HS and Legion catchers.  Thanks for the hard work on getting us your insight.

Thanks, I really appreciate the kind words!  Would you mind emailing me a testimonial that I can use for the website?

On the record, I do think Jerry's book is also very good.  It would also compliment my book very well.

Ian

Thanks.Glad you liked it. In the DR for the next week. Call me when you have time 805-801-5282.

JW

Hey guys, I have both your books, Jerry just recieved yours the other day and I purchased it bc of the pitch call/strategy section. It is great and will benifit my 2016 greatly. That is the one area(most important IMO) that has a serious lack of attention as far as available resources.

I would highly recommend both of your books as they go beyond the basics and are geared toward the next level catcher. If you know of any other pitch call/strategy/reading a hitter type stuff please let me know or where I can find it. Thanks.

I just wanted to add; The pitch call/game management section in Jerry's book is not just an overview but goes pretty in depth, about 1/3 of the book. Anyone with a catcher, of any age, should seriously consider getting this resource.

Again, if there are any other resources please let me know.

Another must have book for catching instruction - The View From Behind the Mask by Todd Coburn and Roy Anderson.  This book has a good section towards the end of it on game management.  Lots of photos with correct and incorrect techniques explained.

I primarily use their information, Ian's and Joe Wilkins when I instruct our catchers and I wasn't even catcher when I played ball.

Other good websites:

http://www.joewilkinscatching.com/

http://www.catchingcamp.com/ - the DVD sold here is very good by the late Dave Weaver

http://behindthemaskcatching.com/

http://www.webball.com/cms/page1157.cfm - Richard Todd

http://brentmayne.com/ (not free content)

http://advancedcatchingconcept...stead.com/index.html (geared towards girls softball)

http://www.chadmoellerbaseball.com/ (not free content)

http://www.mycoachonline.com/baseball/catching.lasso

http://www.simplicityofcatching.com/

I have several more, but these should be pretty helpful.

Guys, thanks again for recommending my website and book.  Just want to clear one thing up in case anyone tries to Google my name or find my website.

My name is not Ian...it's Xan.  As in short for Alexander and pronounced like "Zan".

Thanks!

http://www.Catching-101.com

As a current high school catching coach and one who played at the collegiate level (albeit years ago), I have purchased both Xan Barksdale's book "Catching 101" and Jerry Weinstein's book "The Complete Guide for Coaching Catchers". I must say BOTH books are excellent and both complement each other and BOTH are excellent resources for the dedicated coach.  I recommend reading Xan's book first then Jerry's.  But read them both!

Only a a few years ago, you couldn't find instructional books dedicated solely to the craft and art of Catching.  They are must reads and I can not give them any of a higher recommendation.

Nice work, gentlemen. Thank you for your time, passion, and dedication.

Bob