Is this a spin we should teach? This is the spin that is used by Fouts, Escobedo, early Abbott, Finch and many others.“Here’s a rise spin, this spin is common.”
Escobedo’s bullet spin.
If they throw extremely hard, like all those mentioned, sure. If they throw close to human speed (like Osterman), not only correct spin, but correct spin axis becomes much more important.Is this a spin we should teach? This is the spin that is used by Fouts, Escobedo, early Abbott, Finch and many others.
Despite the fact that lots of folks don’t like it - One knee down setup is being taught at the highest levels of both baseball and softball now. I think we are heading towards it being the norm. Most catchers don’t stay in it exclusively, but when they feel the situation warrants it. The analytics have proven it is superior for receiving and (depending on the individuals skills) there is little to no loss in throwing ability. Personally, always preferred this setup myself haha.(Not to derail this thread,
However need to comment)
That video exposes *Mobility limitation in the catcher putting a knee down instead of moving body to the ball.
Twist and reach is limited range.
Then terrible position to try and transition to throw from.
Yucky glove grasping at a pitch trailing behind...body twisting spinning moving backwards...knee down dragging behind...
Especially notable when there are mechanics that can be used that are far more efficient!!!
1. Getting to the ball with more defensive range.
2. To be set up better.
3. To Transition into a throw if needed/wanted.
Yep, and also not taught/used at that level.Despite the fact that lots of folks don’t like it - One knee down setup is being taught at the highest levels of both baseball and softball now. I think we are heading towards it being the norm. Most catchers don’t stay in it exclusively, but when they feel the situation warrants it. The analytics have proven it is superior for receiving and (depending on the individuals skills) there is little to no loss in throwing ability. Personally, always preferred this setup myself haha.
The tradeoff between speed and spin is something that each pitcher will have to decide. Obviously having both is the goal but in reality that is something rare. Getting enough backspin to make the ball float is difficult, hard bullet spin is easier.
I don’t have the desire to start another thread and don’t know the other mechanics you mention. I’ll finish it with this and then see myself out - in MLB 2020 catchers in conventional catching stances accounted for almost identical passed balls and caught stealing when compared to one knee down setups. They did however, convert way more strikes on close pitches than conventional. As always, depends on the individual catcher to utilize what they feel best helps them given their skill sets.Yep, and also not taught/used at that level.
And *not a new thing.
Think it through is why i comment!
I could mention some other mechanics/someone else marketed heavily, started about 10'ish years ago that became a very popular thing to do, and some say 'is the right thing to do' and it is not a one knee down method.
Ps please do bring on discussion analyzing of receiving pitches & wild pitches.
Can compare defensive range with throws!
Meet all in the catching forum!
This rise ball thread can resume