Do you see many catchers backing up first? We have the right fielder back first on infield hits on the left side. The catcher could back up hits to 2B with no one on base since that angle makes sense and the RF needs to back up the ball through the infield. I haven't seen any catchers in 12U or 14U back up in any situation in tournaments we have been in. Is it worth making the catcher work harder in long, hot summer tournaments?
Backing up First
- Thread starter dkame
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I witnessed this a lot at the last set if friendlies we attended. Honestly I just felt like it gassed out the catchers.
I do not think the angle makes sense for SB. One thing different is depending on how you play your fielders the RF can throw the batter-runner out at 1st. I like the C to move up and over a little bit if this might be a play.
Both of my DD catchers back up the throw at first on plays with bases empty. A college coach at Team NJ last weekend said he loved the hustle. It helps that they're both pretty quick.
My DD (16A) also backs up 1st with no runners or just a runner on first with little chance of scoring. I don't see many catchers do this, but it has stopped advancing runners from an overthrow at first. It's funny when she keeps pace with the running batter down the line.
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.
^^This right here. . .
- Sep 29, 2014
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It depends on the angle. If it is a three hopper to a charging 3B there is no point the ball is going to end up in RF and your catchers can't beat the RFer there. A ball to SS is a wash. The ball to 2B is probably the time they should.
So as a rule if nobody is on and it is hit to the left side I would have my catcher get up from her stance and jog half way down the line (playing for a tip or redirected ball off the 1B glove) and I would have the RF charging and backing up the throw. For a hit to the 2B I think the catcher should charge down the line and try to back up the play the RF should be charging for the backup of 2B.
So as a rule if nobody is on and it is hit to the left side I would have my catcher get up from her stance and jog half way down the line (playing for a tip or redirected ball off the 1B glove) and I would have the RF charging and backing up the throw. For a hit to the 2B I think the catcher should charge down the line and try to back up the play the RF should be charging for the backup of 2B.
