It is a must for 18U Catchers. I coach a Nationally know Showcase Organization and we have them back up 1st. College Coaches love the hustle, it helps with pops on foul balls and bunts, and we get one or 2 outs a year on over throws and save a lot of runners from advancing. My daughter is a catcher at the NCAA level and this was how she was first noticed by coaches when she was in 14U. We had several coaches looking for catchers say that she was the only one they saw at several Showcases that trailed runners. We also start our throw around the horn with a recorded out by the first baseman flipping the ball to the catcher in foul territory. Mine like the fact that it keeps her legs loose and warm, as well. No longer can you hide a out of shape player with a good bat behind the plate. Catchers must be quick, athletic, and tough.
If your #1 Catcher is getting tired by running down the line 10-15 times per game I would get a more in shape catcher. Should have NO EFFECT one her technical ability behind the plate. Her presentation, picking, blocking and concentration should not be any different. Ay showcases they what athletes. Coaches are looking to turn catchers to corner infielders as well as catchers at the next level. If they can hit they will find the field.
10-15 times per game in a tournament with a handful of doubles or triples in 100+ temperature playing multiple games. What else do you want your catcher to do for you?
That player is already expected to give you her all behind the plate. The way i look at is, a passed ball at 1st with no one on base is an extra base, a pass ball behind the plate with a runner on 3rd is an extra run. An extra run late in the game will hurt a team more then an extra base early in a game. These are athletes, not machines they do feel fatigue eventually so to say it has "NO EFFECT" is false. 1 sloppy block is all it takes.
I get it, catchers need to be in shape and it shows hustle and I don't doubt that it helps catchers get noticed by scouts
I saw it this weekend at a showcase. The catcher was right behind my runner and on the overthrow, Catcher was too close to back up, therfore the ball skipped right by her for a free trip to 2nd. Some of these coaches are more into flash and flare and not teaching sound fandamentals.