LEFT Handed Catcher?

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Aug 24, 2015
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My 10u Daughter wants to catch but she throws Lefthanded. Is this acceptable in softball? I know it really isn't in baseball. Input you be greatly appreciated.

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Oct 3, 2011
3,478
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Right Here For Now
Absolutely. They have the advantage on third base snaps over a righty. Receiving is the same for both as is throwdowns to second. The only disadvantage is a longer snap time to first to keep the BRers' close but the same could be said for righties at third.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Yep. YOCOACH is spot on. Fielding bunts is easier for a lefty, too. Also, for RH pitchers throwing to RH batters, a LH catcher has a better natural arm angle for sticking pitches on the outside of the plate.
 
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Sep 17, 2009
1,637
83
Yep. My DD was a left-handed catcher. I had the same worries. Was never an issue. I always thought a lefty catchers biggest issue was throws to third but not a problem because it's very difficult to beat a throw to third in fast pitch, even a lefty that could have a harder time working around a righty batter...
 
Apr 26, 2015
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DD is a lefty catcher. She had one coach who told her he would never let her catch if she played on his team. Well, now he knows they only thing to avoid with her is trying to steal on her. She is fast and accurate. There are still coaches out there who have the "no lefty catcher" mentality, but if your DD is good - they will forget she is a lefty and/or learn to play to the advantages she has. My DD is 12. She is the smallest kid on her team by 30 lbs, shortest by 4-5 inches and a lefty. But she is also a little beast.
 
Oct 30, 2014
292
18
Seattle
Absolutely. They have the advantage on third base snaps over a righty. Receiving is the same for both as is throwdowns to second. The only disadvantage is a longer snap time to first to keep the BRers' close but the same could be said for righties at third.

I'm really confused as i think the exact opposite. A righty would have the advantage to third as the body is pretty much facing that way and would be throwing more of a strait shot to get the ball insude the baseline for the third baseman to recieve where a lefty would have to clear out a bit so as not to cross the runners path (which would make it harder for the third baseman to catch). Lefty throwers have their body set ready to snap to first.

Bunts I give lefties the advantage because on anything near the third baseline righties need to move their bodies around the ball to make a throw. Throws to second is pretty equal- I'd say a SLIGHT advantage for right handed throwers with right handed batters (and opposite with lefties) because the batter isn't in the way on their throwing side. This is incredibly small but I always prefered RH batters when steals were taking place myself.
 
Jan 22, 2011
1,610
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My DD is the best catcher in our rec league.... and she is a lefty. Just don't get my DW going about how my DD is both our P1 and C1, and we don't have a C2 on our rec team.
 
Oct 3, 2011
3,478
113
Right Here For Now
I'm really confused as i think the exact opposite. A righty would have the advantage to third as the body is pretty much facing that way and would be throwing more of a strait shot to get the ball insude the baseline for the third baseman to recieve where a lefty would have to clear out a bit so as not to cross the runners path (which would make it harder for the third baseman to catch). Lefty throwers have their body set ready to snap to first.

Bunts I give lefties the advantage because on anything near the third baseline righties need to move their bodies around the ball to make a throw. Throws to second is pretty equal- I'd say a SLIGHT advantage for right handed throwers with right handed batters (and opposite with lefties) because the batter isn't in the way on their throwing side. This is incredibly small but I always prefered RH batters when steals were taking place myself.

I know it seems counterintuitive but the footwork is such that with a RHB in the box, a RHC has to either get in front of or back and behind the batter in order to clear the throwing arm for a snap to third. This takes longer than just drop stepping/rotating around the ball/whatever term you care to use and throwing on a snap to first even with a LHB in the box. The opposite is true of a LHC. The only time they have to get back and behind the batter is if it's a LHB on a snap to first.
 
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Aug 24, 2015
23
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Thanks everyone. I was really concerned about her being accepted as a catcher being LHed. I was a catcher in college so now I have to figure out how to train her backwards. Thanks everyone.

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