I know i have seen some discussion on here before, but cant seem to operate the search feature well enough. What is the downside of a 10u, going to 12u later this year playing both pitcher and catcher. I know both require a lot of work. DD is pitching now, but has become interested in catching. I know it would be tough to do multiple games at each in a tournament, but would it be bad for her to practice both for a while? May lose interest in one pretty quick. If she has a desire to try both, i hate to put out the fire, but not sure how to convince her of how much work it takes to catch. She understands the time she has put into pitching. Anyone had a DD do, or try to do, both? Pros and cons? Thanks
Pitching and catching
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- Jan 22, 2011
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My DD is a 2005 and loves both catching and pitching. She's the best or 2nd best catcher in our league and best pitcher. IMO, being an elite catcher takes almost as much work as becoming an elite pitcher. She's going to be the P1 on the All-Star team this summer and already been told she isn't catching this summer. She caught a couple innings last summer, but the same coach she has this summer didn't let her catch at all last fall.
I think its useful for a pitcher or catcher to be familiar with both positions. I'm going to take her to the NECC this summer, but after this summer she's going to have to decide whether she wants to concentrate on pitching or catching, because she can't become elite at both.
I think its useful for a pitcher or catcher to be familiar with both positions. I'm going to take her to the NECC this summer, but after this summer she's going to have to decide whether she wants to concentrate on pitching or catching, because she can't become elite at both.
My daughter started out catching. Luckily for her, her team needed pitchers more than catcher. She had caught in rec ball but she prefers pitching. I know a girl who pitched for her high school team and was a catcher for travel ball. After having knee surgeries, she had to give up catching. She is pretty good pitcher and almost beat the #9 rank school ball team in the Nation. They were pretty worried about facing her. I have been told she was an even better catcher.
Basically, it's tough on the legs to be both a pitcher and catcher. Both positions require a lot out of the legs, so fatigue can be a factor. For example, if you catch the first game of the day it may be tough to come back and pitch the next game, whether it's right away or an hour or two later. After that younger kids in particular are probably about done.
Another risk of catching for pitchers is a finger getting jammed or bruised - maybe not enough so you can't play, but enough that it affects pitching success.
Another risk of catching for pitchers is a finger getting jammed or bruised - maybe not enough so you can't play, but enough that it affects pitching success.
My 05 DD would pitch and catch and sometimes in the same game. But this spring she has hung up her catching gear to work solely on pitching. She is a beast behind the plate but prefers to pitch. I like it because it's not as hard on her physically. I think Im much more anxious as a P parent than a C parent. That's a whole other post though...
Wanted to be clear that IMO she needs to pick one of the two positions.
Wanted to be clear that IMO she needs to pick one of the two positions.
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In rec it is very easy to do both. In travel or summer all-stars it is typically one or the other. Though I have seen summer teams where the pitchers are also the catchers out of necessity.
Both pitching and catching require a lot of work to be good at them and both positions can take a lot out of you on long tournament days.
No harm in practicing both but at some point you need to make a decision about which to pursue. Otherwise you might wind up with a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none.
Both pitching and catching require a lot of work to be good at them and both positions can take a lot out of you on long tournament days.
No harm in practicing both but at some point you need to make a decision about which to pursue. Otherwise you might wind up with a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none.
- Nov 23, 2014
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My daughter is a 12u catcher. Honestly the with the physical toll it takes to on her, I can't imagine her trying to pitch too.
I'm thinking that the few innings she is catching in rec league may be fun for her, but the first time the dropped third strike and steal happy travel ball jumps on her, some of the fun will go away and she will decide she should continue to pitch. Right now, i love her enthusiasm and don't want to kill it. She learned last night just how hot it gets in the gear! Thanks for all the advise.
- Nov 23, 2014
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Right. I forgot to mention the gear when it gets hot.
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