Action Pose

Nice pics. Eric I really like the stuffed runner at home pic. Im assuming your pitcher in the background. I love how focused she is in anticipation of a missed ball.

Chazbz1 that's a great close up. Your DD's eyes are sooo focused its real cool.

Chinamigarden, that is a real nice pic you mentioned it was one of your favorites I see why.

Bchbum54 said:

Nice pics. Eric I really like the stuffed runner at home pic. Im assuming your pitcher in the background. I love how focused she is in anticipation of a missed ball.

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Thanks! We had a team mom who captured great moments for all the girls.

My DD doesn't lose in bash-up plays at the plate very often, and this one was no exception. Yes, that's the pitcher on back-up. She's a fantastic all-around player, and was part of the team your DD battled against last year in Carlsbad and FV.

I put this together for my daughter after a photo from last weekend.

I had models on my team. Lol

1st year travel player, catching since December, taking to it like a fish to water!



Protecting home... got three out in this round robin...



Throw down to second



Ready for action



Great day!

Machine - Very nice pics!!

A couple of observations for her safety...

Be sure she knows how to protect her throwing hand on tags at the plate. A cleat to the fingers can ruin things in a hurry. Using her throwing hand to hold the ball inside the mitt no only keeps the ball from getting knocked loose, but also offers protection.

Her chest protector looks like it may be hanging down a bit too low, and leaving the area at the top of her chest/base of her neck more exposed than it should be. This is a very sensitive area if hit by a tipped ball.

Eric,

Thanks for the observations.

I keep pointing out that the hand should be in the glove and the glove between you and the runner - same with the shin guards...
Showed her this post, hopefully it will sink in.
She will be a first year 14U player next year so she needs to learn this before she gets hurt protecting the plate against much larger girls (potentially with metal cleats)!

Didn't pick up on the chest protector and will get it adjusted ASAP!

machine said:

Eric,

Thanks for the observations.

I keep pointing out that the hand should be in the glove and the glove between you and the runner - same with the shin guards...
Showed her this post, hopefully it will sink in.
She will be a first year 14U player next year so she needs to learn this before she gets hurt protecting the plate against much larger girls (potentially with metal cleats)!

Didn't pick up on the chest protector and will get it adjusted ASAP!

Click to expand...

Happy to help. Catcher safety is a critical issue. Maybe hearing (reading) it from someone besides her dad will help it sink in a little better. I know that works with my DD.

These are the kinds of techniques that need to be practiced repeatedly until it's her habit ALL the time (muscle memory!). In the heat of a fast play on the field, it's hard to remember all the things that dad/coach said.

If you haven't yet, get the instructional DVD from NECC (The New England Catching Camp). Seriously. The NECC information and techniques will not only help your DD become a much more efficient and effective catcher, but also keep her safer on the field. Around here, the NECC information is considered the "gold standard" for catching instruction. In addition to the DVD, many of our DDs have also attended NECC camps and clinics.

The detail about the chest protector was learned the hard way.

8u