Jen Schroeder - The Packaged Deal

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May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Although I am a HUGE proponent of NECC's instrucion for catchers, and there are some significant differences in the teaching approach by Jen Schroeder, I have signed my 10yo DD for an upcoming Packaged Deal clinic (The Package - The Packaged Deal - www.packageddeal.com) run by Jen.

As I see it, NECC excels at finite details of positioning and mechanics. Especially for catchers just being introduced to proper stances, footwork, and glove positions, NECC can't be beat (IMO). Jen's approach is much more athletic, and (based on the videos I've seen) seems to put more focus on speed, fitness, and agility than precise technique. I know that Jay @ NECC doesn't agree with the rapid-fire drills taught by Jen. If the drill starts breaking down proper mechanics, and puts the player in a dangerous position, I tend to agree with Jay.

However, I think there is something valuable to be gained from Jen's approach. Although there will never be a time in a game situation where a catcher will have to face rapid-fire pitches and make multiple blocks in a row, I can see that the inclusion of some rapid-fire work helps a lot to build speed, improve reflexes, and increase overall fitness. A fast and athletic catcher is a good thing. Strength and fitness helps a catcher do their job better, for longer.

Inspired by some of Jen's drills, a few months ago, I started including some rapid-fire blocking work with my DD. 3 blocks - center, right side, left side. Between each pitch, she returns to a proper runners-on stance. If her blocking form is poor, we re-set and start again. My DD has commented to me that this drill has helped a lot in getting her reflexes up to speed to be able to block in a game situation.

The clinic is Dec 22, and I will provide some commentary after we attend.

Has anyone else attended a Packaged Deal clinic or worked with Jen Schroeder?
 

Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,168
38
New England
Although I am a HUGE proponent of NECC's instrucion for catchers, and there are some significant differences in the teaching approach by Jen Schroeder, I have signed my 10yo DD for an upcoming Packaged Deal clinic (The Package - The Packaged Deal - www.packageddeal.com) run by Jen.

As I see it, NECC excels at finite details of positioning and mechanics. Especially for catchers just being introduced to proper stances, footwork, and glove positions, NECC can't be beat (IMO). Jen's approach is much more athletic, and (based on the videos I've seen) seems to put more focus on speed, fitness, and agility than precise technique. I know that Jay @ NECC doesn't agree with the rapid-fire drills taught by Jen. If the drill starts breaking down proper mechanics, and puts the player in a dangerous position, I tend to agree with Jay.

However, I think there is something valuable to be gained from Jen's approach. Although there will never be a time in a game situation where a catcher will have to face rapid-fire pitches and make multiple blocks in a row, I can see that the inclusion of some rapid-fire work helps a lot to build speed, improve reflexes, and increase overall fitness. A fast and athletic catcher is a good thing. Strength and fitness helps a catcher do their job better, for longer.

Inspired by some of Jen's drills, a few months ago, I started including some rapid-fire blocking work with my DD. 3 blocks - center, right side, left side. Between each pitch, she returns to a proper runners-on stance. If her blocking form is poor, we re-set and start again. My DD has commented to me that this drill has helped a lot in getting her reflexes up to speed to be able to block in a game situation.

The clinic is Dec 22, and I will provide some commentary after we attend.

Has anyone else attended a Packaged Deal clinic or worked with Jen Schroeder?

I've watched a lot of JSchro's videos and her workouts definitely are gung ho, high energy, and fast paced. And its not debatable that many/most female catchers may find her more easy/comfortable to relate to and identify as a role model than they might with a male instructor. My guess, based strictly on viewing her videos, is that JShcro's instructional approach has developed and evolved to take advantage of and build on the athleticism that factored heavily into her own success, which is unquestionable. IMO, that approach may not work as well with those catchers that are not quite as athletically gifted and actually puts a ceiling on those that are because of imperfect technique limitations.

I believe that doing rapid fire drills is actually counter-productive mechanically and that that taking 50 good swings or executing 30 good blocks is much more productive and has longer-term benefits than taking 100 so-so swings or making 60 so-so blocks in the same length of time. Although it might not seem as fun, a catcher can work on speed, strength, fitness, and stamina without rapid fire drills that compromise technique. Substance comes before style in my book.

Honestly, I'd have modeled JSchro's approach with my DD if we hadn't been exposed to NECC. Looking forward to your commentary and thoughts after your DD gets to experience what I consider the best of both worlds.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
I agree with the importance of proper technique, as taught by NECC, especially when sloppy technique exposes an increased chance of injury. This is something that I keep as a top priority when working with any catcher.

At this point, my thinking is that working on proper form and technique (NECC) can co-exist with drills that build reflex speed and athleticism (Jen Schro). I don't think they need to be exclusive of each other.

I will definitely comment after the clinic next week.
 
Last edited:
Oct 3, 2011
3,478
113
Right Here For Now
I'm looking forward to hearing from you about the clinic. As you know, I have started a clinic for our TB organizational catchers. Out of 13, I have 2 in particular that are pretty unathletic. I have stressed proper mechanics and they do pretty well as far as those go. However, I have probably 4, including DD, that could be pushed much harder and faster due to them being with me for several years and doing well with the mechanics/technique. I'll be very interested to hear your opinions on whether to go into high speed drills with these 4 which I have been considering for a couple of weeks now.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
I'm looking forward to hearing from you about the clinic. As you know, I have started a clinic for our TB organizational catchers. Out of 13, I have 2 in particular that are pretty unathletic. I have stressed proper mechanics and they do pretty well as far as those go. However, I have probably 4, including DD, that could be pushed much harder and faster due to them being with me for several years and doing well with the mechanics/technique. I'll be very interested to hear your opinions on whether to go into high speed drills with these 4 which I have been considering for a couple of weeks now.

As I mentioned in the first post, I've had good results doing low-rep rapid-fire drills with my DD. Keeping a close eye on mechanics must remain a priority during these drills, however.
 

moe

Aug 14, 2013
310
16
I was villified for questioning her over this exact topic. By her personally and her fans. Enjoy.
 
Feb 12, 2014
648
43
Eric - this topic couldn't be more timely for me. I've been wondering about how some of you with more advanced catchers handle the multiple approaches out there. For me, NECC is the best and makes the most sense based on my extremely limited knowledge of the game. I'm sure that there will be a day when I learn enough and my daughter advances enough athletically that we may want to incorporate other ideas. We're far from that point right now, but I am looking forward to your review of Jen's clinic!
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
...let's be honest that there is an old boy's club, which is very prevalent on this board in particular.

Yes, let's be honest. If your reference to an "old boy's club" on DFP refers to how people react to your posts, it has everything to do with the words on the screen, and nothing to do with your gender.

I personally don't believe in over attention to detail for young kids, same as pitching.

When it comes to catchers, this ^ is a point I can't agree with. The details are what keep kids from getting hurt. IMO, it's never too early to teach a catcher how to use proper stances to make them more effective, and proper positioning to keep their throwing hand and body properly protected during the game. Teach them early and reinforce the proper habits that will continue with them for the rest of their playing career.

I'd go into it with an open mind- My opinion is Eric and especially DD will walk away with a good amount of inspiration even if they decide certain techniques are not the best for them. It's not a one zero equation in my opinion.

My DD and I have talked about being open-minded about the information we will get (we're doing fielding, hitting, and catching clinics). I expect that some of it will be contrary to what we believe to be "correct". I also expect that there will be some stuff that can be very helpful, and will maybe give us a new approach to certain aspects that significantly improve her skills. After the clinic is over, we will evaluate what we have learned, and filter what we want to keep in our program for her development.

As I have said here and other places, I'm a big supporter of NECC - enough that I arranged for their Road Trip stop in So Cal to be at our league's home field. The instruction NECC provides is EXCELLENT at the highest level, and is a spectacular foundation for catchers of all ages. That said, I'm curious enough to know if there is something more to learn by investigating another approach. This doesn't mean that I'm not a believer in NECC's program (as you said, it's not a one-zero equation). There's no harm in seeing if there's more to be learned.

In addition to the physical work, the Packaged Deal program includes strong positive messages about attitude, teamwork, and leadership, which I think are very important for a lot of young women. My DW isn't much for the physical details, but was very much on board with getting our DD to this clinic because of their message.
 
Last edited:
Nov 8, 2010
90
6
Tool!

Having tools in the toolkit....AWESOME!!

Glad to see this approach. As our players have gotten older and moved up the ranks, we mix in different techniques and try to introduce them to different ways of getting to the same result. Every new skill they learn, we call it a "tool to throw in your tool bag." Then, we emphasize they must practice the skill and figure out what works best for them in what situation. We can provide feedback, of course, but it's a great way to get them thinking and prepared for different coaching styles.

So, I see nothing wrong with incorporating some of NECC and Jen's methods and adapting it to your player!

When kids get to HS I see a lot of stubborness in trying new things, even when they don't have results. They say "I was told I HAVE to do it this way and the problem is I stink at it and just have to do it more." This is not good. Adjusting and having tools in your kit are skills in and of itself. That is what I see in Jen's approach.[/QUOTE]
 

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