Runners-On Stance

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May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
For those of us who follow the techniques taught by NECC, the the "runners-on" stance is nothing new. However, we have seen comments on a fairly regular basis - and some very emphatically - that D1 catchers don't use a secondary stance for throwing situations. For the most part, this is correct. Most don't. Except...

Kirsten Mack of Mizzou.

I just finished watching Mizzou vs. So. Carolina, and Mack used a secondary stance (raised hips) in situations with runners on base or 2 strikes. Every time (at least during the time I was watching).

Has anyone else seen D1 catchers using a secondary/"runners-on" stance?
 
Last edited:

redhotcoach

Out on good behavior
May 8, 2009
4,706
38
Watching the replay now. 1st Scarborough is by far the best commentator ESPN has for softball. Finally some good insight!
2nd No, don't see too many runners on stances. My own dd has drifted away from it as well. I wish she would still do it, but I guess it's her deal.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Watching the replay now. 1st Scarborough is by far the best commentator ESPN has for softball. Finally some good insight!
2nd No, don't see too many runners on stances. My own dd has drifted away from it as well. I wish she would still do it, but I guess it's her deal.

If your DD is able to do everything she needs to do, it's hard to argue with success. However, if she could be doing some things better from a RO stance, it might be worth revisiting.

I agree 100% about Amanda's commentary.
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
Think the biggest thing at that level is the girls simply have such a strong arm..for most girls at 12U and even 14U that is just not an option.
 
Oct 10, 2011
3,117
0
ready stance

Some of the catchers look like they can't get very low in their relaxed stance so maybe it doesn't matter as much.
DD definitely blocks better in her ready stance.
Btw... nice seeing a local girl pitching for Missouri:)
 
May 21, 2013
5
0
Eric I watched that game too with my daughter (10 yr old catcher). It's amazing at the lack of fundamentals that many D1 catchers exhibit as it relates to NECC teachings. We commented on that throughout the game.

Blocking is by far the biggest sufferer from not being in a runners on stance. And would also argue that catchers like the SC catcher for instance need to be in a higher stance to have a decent shot a gunning down fast runners. She was way late on one attempt. Pitch was good and throw was good, but release took way too long.

After watching some of the fundamentals of these college catchers, I have more hope for my daughter. LOL
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
bemberry - I agree. I regularly see D1 catchers who could make some adjustments to their game that would improve their efficiency (IMO). Like you, I'm also feeling very good about the development of my 10yo catcher-beast.
 

Josh Greer

DFP Vendor
Jul 31, 2013
934
93
Central Missouri
I guess I kind of flounder on this topic; and flip-flop back and forth. At this point, I am starting to lean to the idea of no secondary stance for softball, but still believe it is a requirement for baseball. For me, I think this has to do with the throwing distance, as well as the lead off. In baseball, the secondary is required or you're not going to have enough drive to beat the runner. But since softball maintains the same base-path distance at such a young age, hitting second from a low position should still be very doable.

I haven't been watching much D1 this year. Are the catchers that stay low throwing from the knees, or do they pop out of the squat?
 
May 21, 2013
5
0
If they're going to stay in "primary" they should be throwing some from their knees, IMO. But I haven't seen many at all doing it.

I'm just now introducing knee throwing to my daughter but from a "secondary" stance to begin with.
 

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