This has been the most interesting thread I've read on DFP - thanks to all who have contributed thus far!
My DD is a first year 14U "A" travel ball catcher who is continuously refining her techniques. We have come up primarily using the NECC methodology, and we know a few kids who currently take lessons from Jen Schro. DD's role model/idol, who studied with Schro and we've known since DD was ten, is a current SEC catcher who made All-American as a freshman.
What I've come to realize in working with my daughter (YMMV) is that a hybrid application of both schools of thought provides the best game day execution on the dirt. For example, the NECC runners-on stance was what we used exclusively through 12U, because it enabled a quick bounce out of stance to throw out base runners. As she started going through her growth spurt over the summer, we started working on throwing down to second "from the knees" without bouncing out of stance, which in our case took two full strides away from the base runner when executed properly. What we found out through trial, error and sweat equity was that the high runners-on stance was a hindrance, since the right foot plant, leg drive and torso rotation required to stick the throw "in crouch" was better served by staying low.
Regarding dropping and blocking, I haven't seen any difference in reaction time between low stance vs. high stance. As DD keeps growing, her strength increases, and what has become apparent is that the quickness in kicking her feet back behind her is the best gauge for effectively blocking pitches in the dirt. In our case, I think that DD's increasing physicality has rendered the runners-on stance obsolete.
The rapid-fire drill that Eric F didn't like, I don't like, either. DD has attended clinics where that drill has been done, and we've had similar conversations on maintaining proper form vs. doing the drill as it's intended. I'm all about drills that replicate game day scenarios. I believe that this type of drill is beneficial for the X-box set, but DD takes speed and agility at her batting facility, so I'd rather spend that time working on framing!
I think comparisons to MLB catchers are irrelevant - they're playing a different game, for Pete's sake! If they were gaming on a softball diamond, I'm pretty sure they'd adjust their technique accordingly to maximize their execution.
Ultimately, what provides the best playmaking is what we'll use, and we'll pilfer it from anybody and everybody! And that's my two cents, Merry Christmas everyone!
My DD is a first year 14U "A" travel ball catcher who is continuously refining her techniques. We have come up primarily using the NECC methodology, and we know a few kids who currently take lessons from Jen Schro. DD's role model/idol, who studied with Schro and we've known since DD was ten, is a current SEC catcher who made All-American as a freshman.
What I've come to realize in working with my daughter (YMMV) is that a hybrid application of both schools of thought provides the best game day execution on the dirt. For example, the NECC runners-on stance was what we used exclusively through 12U, because it enabled a quick bounce out of stance to throw out base runners. As she started going through her growth spurt over the summer, we started working on throwing down to second "from the knees" without bouncing out of stance, which in our case took two full strides away from the base runner when executed properly. What we found out through trial, error and sweat equity was that the high runners-on stance was a hindrance, since the right foot plant, leg drive and torso rotation required to stick the throw "in crouch" was better served by staying low.
Regarding dropping and blocking, I haven't seen any difference in reaction time between low stance vs. high stance. As DD keeps growing, her strength increases, and what has become apparent is that the quickness in kicking her feet back behind her is the best gauge for effectively blocking pitches in the dirt. In our case, I think that DD's increasing physicality has rendered the runners-on stance obsolete.
The rapid-fire drill that Eric F didn't like, I don't like, either. DD has attended clinics where that drill has been done, and we've had similar conversations on maintaining proper form vs. doing the drill as it's intended. I'm all about drills that replicate game day scenarios. I believe that this type of drill is beneficial for the X-box set, but DD takes speed and agility at her batting facility, so I'd rather spend that time working on framing!
I think comparisons to MLB catchers are irrelevant - they're playing a different game, for Pete's sake! If they were gaming on a softball diamond, I'm pretty sure they'd adjust their technique accordingly to maximize their execution.
Ultimately, what provides the best playmaking is what we'll use, and we'll pilfer it from anybody and everybody! And that's my two cents, Merry Christmas everyone!
Last edited: