catcher positioning for plays at home

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Feb 27, 2019
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Looking for some views on catcher positioning for plays at home. I like to have my girls at the front of the box with foot on the third base corner. HC wants the girls to straddle home. Thoughts?
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Left foot near the 3B-side corner of the plate.
Doing it right...



Important detail - Toes of the left foot should always be pointed at the runner. This keeps impacts coming into the shin guard with the leg in a strong position.
Doing it wrong...
 
Last edited:
Feb 27, 2019
137
28
I agree with foot towards third, I didn't grow up playing any formal baseball, definitely was never coached on how to play. I have studied a lot of material recently so that I can best help my DD learn and get her where she needs to be. I'm the AC now and HC stated he grew up playing catcher and he wants them to straddle. I'm preparing my rebuttal, LOL!
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
I agree with foot towards third, I didn't grow up playing any formal baseball, definitely was never coached on how to play. I have studied a lot of material recently so that I can best help my DD learn and get her where she needs to be. I'm the AC now and HC stated he grew up playing catcher and he wants them to straddle. I'm preparing my rebuttal, LOL!

Take a look at how it's done by the best in the game - both softball and baseball. Plenty of video available on this issue.
 
May 6, 2015
2,397
113
Left foot near the 3B-side corner of the plate.
Doing it right...



Important detail - Toes of the left foot should always be pointed at the runner. This keeps impacts coming into the shin guard with the leg in a strong position.
Doing it wrong...


first, damn you for making my stomach turn on that second one just after lunch. but it illustrated point beautifully, and besides having shin guards facing potential contact, also, if runners foot does push on your foot, foot is moving in a motion ankel and knee were designed for , not sideways.

second, having toes pointed at runner also makes it earier to turn and apply tag (as opposed to toes pointed towards incoming ball from right side of field), less twisting.
 
This is situational dependent on direction the ball is coming from. Catcher should be in the best position to receive the ball without obstructing the runners path to the plate until catcher has possession of the ball. Example ball coming from 3rd base dugout. catcher will be in a different position to receive the ball than if it was coming from 1st base.
 
May 29, 2015
3,781
113
Straddling?! Is he wanting the catcher to get hurt?

Get out in front of the plate in position to catch the throw or run after it (more likely run after it). Get far enough away that your tag motion gets to feeling natural to you. You can be too close for a tag. The tag should be a fairly consistent and natural motion, not a guessing game as you collapse down or stab at the runner.

You should not be any place that is going to promote contact other than a tag. I see too many girls (at all bases) just hanging out near the base. Get away from it if there is no play.
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
@Eric F or should I say Maddie is spot on. Her technique is textbook and the other video shows you what happens when you do it wrong.

Left foot pointed down the line, just in front of the corner of the plate, keep the leg that direction at all times not doing this is how you get hurt.

and as has already been said if there is no play simply step up and get out of the way.

I think this is pretty close only slight difference would be to not at the plate but slightly in front and slight up the line just a foot or so...watch Maddie top video. If you want to know the theory about straddling the plate 2:38

 
Last edited:
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
first, damn you for making my stomach turn on that second one just after lunch. but it illustrated point beautifully, and besides having shin guards facing potential contact, also, if runners foot does push on your foot, foot is moving in a motion ankel and knee were designed for , not sideways.

second, having toes pointed at runner also makes it earier to turn and apply tag (as opposed to toes pointed towards incoming ball from right side of field), less twisting.

Exactly!

Notice the different body positions in the two videos, on nearly identical plays (throw from 1B). In the first one, she keeps her chest facing more towards the runner. In the second, she turns her torso to the direction of the throw. Making that catch across the body is worthwhile practice.
 

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