When to set up for pitch

[Etdad]

When should you set up for a movement pitch or a pitch on the corners. I have necc video and they set up for a pitch down the middle. I watch a lot of colleges game and most of the catchers are really moving to set up. Will be playing 16u in spring. And video of good set up would be nice to see. Thanks

 

[James Smith]

This should be interesting.

DD is a young pitcher and she likes the C in the same position every pitch. She will focus on the left shin guard or something, she does not like the C moving around.

 

[Rocketech1]

There are several reasons that the catcher will move to set-up into the correct location. 1) it shows the umpire that the pitcher hit her spot, For example, with a low, offside pitch the catcher can slide over to the outside corner of the plate and if she hits her spot it's more likely than not the umpire will give her the strike even if it's off the plate a little but in the center of the catcher body. 2) the catcher is in a better receiving position having already set-up just prior to the release of the ball 3) it gives the pitcher a good target to focus on. This is important, especially at the younger ages.

You need to be careful not to move too early and tip-off the location of the pitch to the 3rd base coach, runner on second, or batter glancing in to the catcher. But in general, we have always had the catcher move to the pitch location.

 

[chazbz1]

 

[chazbz1]

Also see Lessons Lessons From College Fastpitch- Setting Up For The Pitch from ACC's Facebook Video Library

 

[sru]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Never, ever, set up for a pitch. Call your spot and move your body and glove after the pitcher starts her pitch. The later the better. Seen the runner on 2b signal the pitch location to the hitter far to many times. Of course at the younger ages, the pitcher may need a target.