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  1. chazbz1

    Throwing hand

    We created a video that illustrates where the hand should be (IMO) to be best protected. There is no way to totally eliminate the risk of getting hit by a foul tipped pitch. These methods greatly reduce that risk. Even the pro's mess up and get hit. It's best to train early and have the hand...
  2. chazbz1

    LH catcher positing for tag

    We made that video for Dave Weaver years ago! We still reference it today for our left handed catchers. Left handed catchers have a distinct advantage on tag plays and bunt coverage! RichK explained it well. We do not encourage our catchers to block the line, especially with rule changes. Lay...
  3. chazbz1

    Blocking - toes in or toes out?

    Sorry not to respond sooner Tatonka. My work load with the railroad has increased and catching has kept me busy too. I think more of feet in or feet out when I think about blocking effectiveness. IMO catchers should land on toes with toe-to-heel vertical. We don't encourage rolling the ankles...
  4. chazbz1

    Mesh backed catchers mit

    ETdad.... The one on the left is a custom 33 inch JCV model in "PC" brown leather. (One of Vinci's softest leathers) The JCV on the right is a 34 inch in limited series brown with black mesh. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  5. chazbz1

    Mesh backed catchers mit

    It really comes down to personal choice. The mesh does "breathe" a tad better than the all leather. It is considerably lighter too. Unlike many mesh mitts (and some all leather ones) Vinci lines the finger stalls with lightweight sheepskin. The mesh tends to be easier on break in than all leather.
  6. chazbz1

    Catchers height in stance

    There has been some differing opinions with coaches on using the runner on stance. We have tested blocking times from both stances and dropping and blocking from a runner on stance is faster and easier. Below are a few examples of our college age catchers setting up for pitches. These were...
  7. chazbz1

    Ball Pop - palm padding?

    Also be sure to check how and when your catcher is adjusting their wrist band. See Top Secret Method to Reduce Dropped Pitches
  8. chazbz1

    New Catcher Training

    You hadn't mentioned age. Typically in younger (12B and under) pitchers will need a target to throw to and many coaches will want a catcher to set a target as soon as the sign is given. This does give away the pitch location for observant batters. Older pitchers will have to get used to not...
  9. chazbz1

    Padded glove under mitt, suggestions?

    One other point to note... One of the first topics I cover with new catchers is how to put on their glove. (Sounds silly I know) But the fact is that approximately 95% of baseball and softball catchers do not know about or properly adjust the leather loop inside the glove for their thumb. If not...
  10. chazbz1

    Little help?

    I still remember the first time I watched a catcher get knocked cold out from a home plate collision when our daughter Mackenzie first started playing comp ball. Mack was playing 14U (She's 24 now) with this catcher on another field nearby was 12U. No child needs this to happen to them... No...
  11. chazbz1

    Vinci vs. Worth Liberty Advanced vs All Star

    I took this picture earlier in the week as my daughter and I prepared to work a session with one of our students. All are JCV-VM's, two lefties and mine. One is our 10U's 33", one is my 23 year old daughter's 33" and my 34".
  12. chazbz1

    GXS101 vs Vinci Fortus

    One of my 9 year olds has had her Fortus for 2 months now... Happy to report it has broken in nicely and she is receiving very well with it. This mitt softens well! ;)
  13. chazbz1

    Throwing off the facemask

    When we think about keeping our catchers (our children) safe in baseball and softball we most often think about what can happen to them in the heat of the game without their mask during a tag play with someone nearly twice their size bearing down on them cleats and elbows raised high for...
  14. chazbz1

    GXS101 vs Vinci Fortus

    Since we are leading into custom gloves... I have found that not everyone is aware that Vinci will replace the thumb logo medallion with a flag on custome orders. It's a neat option. :D
  15. chazbz1

    GXS101 vs Vinci Fortus

    One thing to keep in mind with Vinci gloves is that from the mfr they are very stiff. The superior quality of the leather (very tight grain structure) and internal padding (2 sections of palm felt, plus sewn leather reinforcement bound with twine) makes them very hard to squeeze right out of the...
  16. chazbz1

    3 steps and then throw to 2B?

    You have gotten some great input Cathermama! Any time a player is taking specific private lessons (Batting, pitching, catching...) The private instructor trumps the comp. coach. I invite coaches to their catcher's sessions with us and also invite them to contact me with any questions so that...
  17. chazbz1

    Has your catcher ever?

    Priceless memory!
  18. chazbz1

    Time for a New Team or New Perspective

    With Mackenzie's comp ball days firmly in the rear view mirror (She's been out of college for a year now) we have had the chance to look back and consider the teams and choices made with perfect 20/20 hindsight. She had two excellent teams, two average teams and one stinking HORRIBLE team. The...
  19. chazbz1

    Discussion of LH Catchers

    Let's not forget Jenny Topping.
  20. chazbz1

    Discussion of LH Catchers

    Baseball and softball are a bit different animals when it comes to lefty catcher. Like so many other things it can be more a state of mind than facts. As for softball, USA's gold medal softball team had lefty Michelle Venturella behind the plate. I've had the honor of meeting Michelle who is not...

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