What makes a good catcher?

[riseball]

On my DD's 13u team...there are two catchers.

Catcher A is more fundamentally sound. She actually calls the game, good athlete...not great, very few passed balls. But, not a lot of throw outs at 2nd. Can get it there, but it has a small arch.

Catcher B is more athletic, doesn't call the game as well as a A, allows some passed balls in crucial situations, but you're not stealing on this girl at all. She has a cannon! She'll gun you out at 2nd, 3rd, etc and she's tough to steal home on as well

So, who's the better catcher at 13u? (My DD is a pitcher...so, I don't have a dog in the fight)

As she gets older you will be the dog in the fight! A good catcher keeps batters from becoming runners. A poor catcher tries to make up for poor receiving by throwing out runners.

 

[WARRIORMIKE]

Great catchers always make the pitchers look good. Example was Erics dd in the video. Perfect example of what a catchers job needs to be

 

[Eric F]

Great catchers always make the pitchers look good. Example was Erics dd in the video. Perfect example of what a catchers job needs to be

Thanks, Mike. She loves those moments.

 

[MsDinosaur]

On my DD's 13u team...there are two catchers.

Catcher A is more fundamentally sound. She actually calls the game, good athlete...not great, very few passed balls. But, not a lot of throw outs at 2nd. Can get it there, but it has a small arch.

Catcher B is more athletic, doesn't call the game as well as a A, allows some passed balls in crucial situations, but you're not stealing on this girl at all. She has a cannon! She'll gun you out at 2nd, 3rd, etc and she's tough to steal home on as well

So, who's the better catcher at 13u? (My DD is a pitcher...so, I don't have a dog in the fight)

Quick answer: Catcher A. Catcher B "allows some passed balls in crucial situations" --- that is not acceptable.

I'm interested in knowing how well they receive the ball. Given that you describe catcher A as more fundamentally sound, I'd expect her to be the better receiver, and IMO that is a high priority. Make sure your pitcher gets every strike she throws...and hopefully even gets an expanded zone. My other high priority is controlling the game: keep the ball in front of you, know what's going on and don't do stupid things.

I think the type B catcher tends to get all the hype, because she's flashy and everyone loves those big throw-downs. Personally, I think it's the steady type A who deserves it more, but it's really hard to quantify things like getting more strikes and keeping better control of the game.

 

[WARRIORMIKE]

Thanks, Mike. She loves those moments.

yea no prob.

NOW WHERES MY THANKS?? LOL

 

[cbullard]

Eric, that batters reaction is great. I bet your daughter got a giggle out of that!

 

[cbullard]

Quick answer: Catcher A. Catcher B "allows some passed balls in crucial situations" --- that is not acceptable.

I'm interested in knowing how well they receive the ball. Given that you describe catcher A as more fundamentally sound, I'd expect her to be the better receiver, and IMO that is a high priority. Make sure your pitcher gets every strike she throws...and hopefully even gets an expanded zone. My other high priority is controlling the game: keep the ball in front of you, know what's going on and don't do stupid things.

I think the type B catcher tends to get all the hype, because she's flashy and everyone loves those big throw-downs. Personally, I think it's the steady type A who deserves it more, but it's really hard to quantify things like getting more strikes and keeping better control of the game.

Yes, catcher A catches a lot better...slides over to block balls...etc. Catcher B gets all the hype because of her throws to 2nd. So, passed balls are ignored with her. She's really athletic

 

[Eric F]

Eric, that batters reaction is great. I bet your daughter got a giggle out of that!

Definitely

That pitch was on a full count, and the K got the team out of the inning. It was an important moment, and a good example of how the little details of good receiving can make a big difference. The pitcher at the time was a young player who was getting her first experience in the circle at the TB level. Getting that K was a step forward for her confidence. If that batter walks, it's a step back, and very likely leads to more pitches over the plate for the next batter...and the dominoes start to fall...

 

[Eric F]

Yes, catcher A catches a lot better...slides over to block balls...etc. Catcher B gets all the hype because of her throws to 2nd. So, passed balls are ignored with her. She's really athletic

We all love to see the big play of a catcher throwing out a runner. The knowledgeable observer knows that blocking a pitch in the dirt is just as important.

Which of the 2 understands the game better and is a better leader?

 

[cbullard]

Eric, Catcher A understands the game better. her catching coach drills her on scenarios from what I understand. She calls the pitch and sets up to where she calls it. She barks out the number of outs to the defense, etc. Very hard worker...vocal..but humble. Catcher B plays hard...but can be lazy with technique. She tries to get by with athleticism. Both really play hard. From my perspective Catcher A seems to know more.