First year of 16U. Been catching for 8 years. Love the way she frames, blocks, keeps the pitchers from having a nervous breakdown. A real vocal leader on the field. This ball was off the plate, btw, but was called a strike b/c of good catching mechanics.
not a fan of the positioning, DD got dinged for interference earlier in the game and is over compensating. However, the pic to me is great. Great field, great location, sums up the game about perfectly.
I'm fine with it. The hand is being pulled back to the chest in the "shadow" of the mitt, just like she has been trained. In that position, there is a low chance of a bounce off the ground hitting her hand, but not a direct shot from the pitch or a foul ball. Also, this keeps her hand in a position for a quick transfer in a throwing situation.