Catchers: feet flat on ground or up on toes?k

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obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
0
Boston, MA
About 10 years ago, The late great Dave Weaver taught DD to learn to catch with her feet flat on the ground, making her more stable. I bought that. When DD#2 took up pitching, I took up catching and found that by keeping my feet flat on the ground, not only am I more balanced, but the thigh burn goes away and the knees hold up better. Whenever I have seen something to be so clearly positive, I have always found it to be the right way to do something. I turn 60 this year and have no problem dropping into a low crouch with good posture at any time. Needless to say, over the past 10 years I have been continuously recommending catchers to catch with feet flat on the ground.
I am still seeing kids being coached by adults (both former baseball and softball players) who are told to stay up on their toes. I asked one "coach" about this and she said it's because they can't pop up quick enough with their feet flat on the ground. She doesn't care about thighs burning or their knees, they'll get stronger over time "just like I did".

So is there a recognizable and accepted benefit to rising up on the toes when catching, or us this just an old school carry over like wrist flicks and squish the bug (both of which are alive and well in Massachusetts.)
Thanks!
 

Josh Greer

DFP Vendor
Jul 31, 2013
934
93
Central Missouri
I guess I've never seen someone coach to be on their toes. But I am firmly in the camp of flat foot = balance. If you watch kids on their toes, they generally look like they are riding bronc's. But it is not even balance in place; sway side to side. I can't see how you can successfully do that on your toes.
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
One of the things I've heard is some catching coaches want the catchers on the insides of their feet.
 
Apr 5, 2013
2,130
83
Back on the dirt...
Great topic and I battle this in my area as well. My DD (12) has started getting on the balls of her feet from a recent camp we attended. To me, she doesn’t seem to be in as much control as she used to be. She’s pretty athletic so it’s not hurting her skills yet per she but I dont Like how it looks. It’s only been a month. I’m going to work her back into a flat foot crouch.
 
Feb 16, 2015
933
43
South East
One of the things I've heard is some catching coaches want the catchers on the insides of their feet.

Most all catchers have to be on the inside parts of there feet or with toes down the base paths to get any depth in their crouch. Most people lack the ankle mobility needed to keep their heels on the ground with their feet pointing forward. So they well get on the inside part of the feet for depth and stability. The problem with that is it puts a large strain on the knees especially if you also have poor hip mobility. One of my most favorite catchers to watch is Erika Piancastelli (McNesse State) she is an absolute stud at the position and has unbelievable joint mobility. IMO she is the pinnacle for joint mobility that every catcher needs to work towards.


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Mar 24, 2014
450
18
One of the things I've heard is some catching coaches want the catchers on the insides of their feet.

Older DD took catching lessons from a former D1 catcher and this is what she was taught. fortunately never had any injuries, she just gravitated to middle infield.
 

obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
0
Boston, MA
...She’s pretty athletic so it’s not hurting her skills yet per she but I dont Like how it looks. It’s only been a month. I’m going to work her back into a flat foot crouch.

I agree with you about getting her feet flat again. Athletic kids will always be able to survive regardless of Mechanics, but they will really thrive when they have strong mechanics on their side. I see kids up on the balls of their feet swaying in the breeze or teetering like they're on a high wire. Keeping feet flat takes some getting used to, but once you do it is an athletically superior position, I believe. Again, I am an old fart, but I surprise myself as to how quickly I can pop up from the crouch- faster than if I'm on my toes or sitting on a bucket.

Using the insides of the feet may be a more advanced technique, but I think it wouldn't be a difficult transition for a catcher who is used to being flatfooted.
 
Last edited:
Mar 1, 2016
195
18
I asked one "coach" about this and she said it's because they can't pop up quick enough with their feet flat on the ground.

DD is on her toes to give signs, then “pops” to a ready position to actually do her job. Could this be what the coach is referring to? To me, that would make sense. On the other hand, if the coach is referring to popping up on high pitches or to the side or down to block, then she’s an idiot. Feet flat on the ground provide more stability, more power, better lateral movement.

Another thing to note is that girls can get their feet flat easier than boys can because their Q angle is different. Center of gravity is different because of Q angle as well, so that means that boys have to lean forward more than girls to get low, making it more difficult to get flat footed. IF the coach you spoke to was taught by a man who never bothered to research Q angle and other physiological differences between men and women playing that position, then it could explain her uninformed answer.


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obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
0
Boston, MA
IF the coach you spoke to was taught by a man who never bothered to research Q angle and other physiological differences between men and women playing that position, then it could explain her uninformed answer.
Bingo! You just answered the big question! Thank you!
 
Sep 29, 2010
1,082
83
Knoxville, TN
Put a catcher on their toes and I can push them over with my pinky finger on their helmet. Put a catcher flat footed with about 60% of their weight on the balls of their feet pointed at a 30-40 degree angle, I’ll have trouble pushing them over with the heel of my hand.
 

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