different technique

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Oct 10, 2011
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So DD just caught in her first scrimmage in 2 years and did really well. The team is a very good 18U team that has a catching coach but he teaches his footwork different than what the NECC does. He teaches to step in front of the left foot (rht) on a throw to 2nd... But also teaches the option of throwing from your knees. Is that difference in foot work a big deal? I only know what that dvd says about catching.
The HC was happy with her throw (Wasserman book) and said she was really good at 3rd, but born to catch. Free lessons available.
She said her legs felt like noodles:D
I was really proud of her.
 

Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,168
38
New England
Congrats to your DD! If you've followed the NECC DVD, there will not be many catchers with sounder mechanics.

I've seen an initial forward step with the right foot or the right foot all the way behind the left taught, but nothing like you describe. Regardless, there is no question that his way is slower - very simple to prove by clocking pop times*. He will likely argue that his footwork creates more forward momentum, which justifies the more intricate footwork, but it doesn't. If she throws properly now, there shouldn't be any significant difference in her throwing velocity either way and if there is any, it won't make up for the longer transfer/handling time.

Additionally, that recommended step forward may create 3 new problems - 1) the catcher's stride foot sometimes will be landing (and sliding) on home plat, which increases the potential for errant throws; 2) if the process is hurried, a greater potential for catcher's interference (technically obstruction for our umpire friends) exists, particularly if the batter stands deep in the box and swings late to protect the runner; and, 3) the big step to the left creates more lateral momentum and imbalance that will need to be addressed before a throw can be launched.

Have you thought about lending him your DVD?

*pop time note: To be valid, pop times should be done with a swinging batter to avoid the running start version commonly observed during showcases whereby a catcher can cheat and shorten the distance, receive the pitch sooner, and reduce their pop time by 10% or more
 
Last edited:
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
I'm having a really hard time picturing in my mind what on earth he's having her do without it looking completely ridiculous. Right handed player, stepping with her right foot to throw?!?!? What? And he's teaching this? I'd stick with NECC mechanics if I where you.
 
Oct 10, 2011
3,117
0
step

Basically she takes a small step with the right foot (towards 2nd) then a step with the left towards 2nd. It definitely seems slower.
GM I was going to offer the dvd but decided not to. I'll bring it to the next practice and offer it to him.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Teaching throwing from her knees and the small step seems a little contradictory.

Younger players need to take that small step to get their body line up and into the throw so they can get the ball to 2nd base. If they can get it there from their knees I am not sure you want that small step.
 
Jul 10, 2014
1,283
0
C-bus Ohio
NECC is teaching the basic quick-hands footwork: throwing foot gets under the CM as the hips turn sideways. This coach is teaching outfielder crow-hop/Kobata momentum. I'm with GM: the forward momentum gain likely cannot offset the lost time of the more intricate footwork and later throw because the catcher is not moving forward before the ball arrives. IF the catcher could be moving forward similar to what Kobata teaches, only then it would make sense to use that footwork.
 
Last edited:
Nov 12, 2009
365
18
Kansas City
It sounds like coach wants a longer initial stride with the left foot going out in front of right foot? A couple of things happen with this type of footwork.... The first is it will take longer for your catcher to plant the left foot. This means that it will take longer to move and plant right foot and subsequently it will take longer to release the ball and have it moving at maximum velocity. We did some comparisons a while back on footwork and pop times (See below) and the earlier the left foot is planted, the sooner the ball can be released. (Hence the sooner the ball can be at second!) So why move the left foot at all? Wouldn't it be even faster just to pivot on the left foot and throw? Sounds good but no. The left foot is used as a base/platform to push off of while throwing. Ideally, we want to see this "base/platform" centered under the catcher's mass (his or her body) to provide balance while pushing off. If the foot is not moved at all, (or moved too far to the left) the platform (right foot for righties, left foot for lefties) is not balanced and your catcher's "mass" will shift as weight is transferred to this single foot on the push off to throw. The weight shift on over striding results in the catcher striding into the batters box and dropping their arm on the throw. The left foot will usually swing out in an arc rather than directly to target. (As in the video below). This will typically result in the catcher planting the left foot early and being "open" as they throw. The shift of mass can also cause the shoulders to rock and send the ball high right of target. (For righties)

Not planting the left foot at all and just pivoting usually results in the catcher not fully winding up their muscles (Creating resistance) to throw with power. The only exception her is to receive an outside pitch. (Inside for lefties) The catcher will start winding up and creating resistance in the torso as they reach across their body to receive the pitch. The can naturally continue to twist as the pitch is received without moving the left foot under their mass. (They rotate their body over the "base/platform") Other pitches take to long to move from point of reception to rotate their bodies over their right foot. (Left foot for lefties) It's quicker to move the foot a short distance under the center of their bodies then push of balanced and with power.

[video=youtube_share;21Kfr6zj014]http://youtu.be/21Kfr6zj014[/video]
 
Aug 14, 2013
66
0
That's a great video Chaz. I like the side by side comparison. To GM's point, I saw a 12u catcher jack up her knee last year when she stepped on the plate during a throw. It was raining, so the plate was especially slippery.
 

Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,168
38
New England
Basically she takes a small step with the right foot (towards 2nd) then a step with the left towards 2nd. It definitely seems slower.
GM I was going to offer the dvd but decided not to. I'll bring it to the next practice and offer it to him.

A little different than I initially thought you were talking about, but most of what I said still applies, however, there's another problem this creates - it doesn't create a loaded rear hip/leg/backside and therefore the throw will put more stress on the arm and have less velocity and lead to a slower pop time.

Suggestion re the DVD - offer it and note that this is how she's been trained for years (optional: and solved prior throwing arm pain) and we don't want to risk changing unless there's a proven better way. If he takes catcher training seriously, he'll undoubtedly accept and watch the DVD, likely want to verify for himself, and be interested in the NECC, A&B, and ACC web sites.

Stick to your guns! Good luck!
 

Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,168
38
New England
Teaching throwing from her knees and the small step seems a little contradictory.

Younger players need to take that small step to get their body line up and into the throw so they can get the ball to 2nd base. If they can get it there from their knees I am not sure you want that small step.

They shouldn't ever be taught that step! Their 1 (or more!) bounce throw will get there much faster and more accurately and they will have the proper mechanics in place for future success as their body grows and they become stronger.
 

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