ZAP...no-one there...now what?

[radness]

ZAP throwing to get runners out...
no defense to receive the throw.

NOW WHAT?

Then whats worse?... Ahhgggg
Somes coaches say dont throw it.
Parents in the stands seeing the ball zing to the outfield.
Runners advance to another base.
Or worse yet runner stealing from 2nd to 3rd...catcher throws to 3rd...no -one there ball into the outfield....runner scores.
Coach gets mad at the catcher!!!

SO I'M SPEAKING UP!!!
ASKING THIS QUESTION

What is the best way to handle
this problem/situation!

This may be one of the most difficult developmental conundrums catchers face!!!
A critical topic in a catchers performance, posibly affecting the courage/instinct/reaction to throw!

How should this be resolved?
How did your dd/catcher handle this?
Coaches, how about you?

_____________________

THE GREEN LIGHT IS ON!

LETS THROW RUNNERS OUT!

 

[2br02b]

If that throw to third has been practiced(!), then it is on the receiver, who is out of position, not the catcher. Hope your coach knows that! Catcher doesn't have time to figure out if 3B or SS are doing their job.

 

[chinamigarden]

Never the catchers fault. Last thing you want
Is the catcher waiting to throw on a steal. That’s on either the coaches or the infielder. Never the catcher, unless she was strictly told do not throw down.

 

[_MIA_]

No different than a SS throwing to the 2nd base bag on a force out (and not to the person) regardless of whether the 2B is there or not. Players need to be able to do their job and not worry about whether their teammate is doing theirs...If the coach is halfway decent they will know who messed up and address the situation appropriately.

 

[Tatonka]

This may be one of the most difficult developmental conundrums catchers face!!!

Agreed. DD has tried various approaches to this situation early on with mixed results. Hard to keep making that throw when you're the one looking bad due to late (or lack of) anticipation and movement (even when the C is trying to call this out in advance). *And how about teaching proper backup techniques for the outfielders for those throws. Work the angles, etc...

Another good topic RAD!

 

[bmakj]

I have alwasy told DD, throw, do not look to see if they are covering. if it is a situation where they should be covering, throw, it is their job to get their. most of the time SS is not in position at time of release (let alone decision to throw), but is there when ball arrives. you have to assume your teammates are doing their jobs.

 

[The Man In Blue]

In my opinion, there are too many variables to have a blanket position on this.

First, what are you playing for? Early in the season or meaningless game? Fire away and teach your “receivers” what to expect. If this is your approach, you better be teaching your outfielders proper back up skills. Meaningful rounds of a tournament or late in a title run? Better to leave that runner standing on second than to hand her third or even home!

Second, and more important: what is the skill level of your catcher? I’m not talking so much about her throwing ability, but her ability to read and react. A catcher should be taught early on to throw accurately on instinct. Young, inexperienced catchers don’t have the time to read, interpret, adjust. As a catcher grows and develops, she better be learning how to read, interpret, and adjust quickly.

Just as important as teaching the catcher, the coach needs to learn who to put it on when things go wrong ... and when things go right! Know your players, their skills, and their abilities.

 

[radness]

How about Solutions.
Conversation with a plan
and practice!
A lot can be accomplished talking it thru. Even in the middle of an inning!
Major improvements can be implemented at 1 practice!

Imo this should NOT be an ongoing issue!

10u can understand what they need to do. Just may take a little more practice experience to dial it in!

So i'm SPEAKING UP

COACHES RESPONDSIBILTY
GET YOUR DEFENSE READY

*Please stop blaming the catcher for doing our job!


Little story,
End of last year. Student went to D1 college camp.
Part of the event was a scrimmage game.
Mixed talent levels on the field.
Student catcher knows she is there for a reason. To show her talent.
Runner gets on first.
First base plays away and in from the base.
2nd baseman after pitch hussles to try and cover 1st base.
Young player good try, but late.
Catcher had fired the back pick and nailed the runner just befor getting back to first base.
Ouch... Great throw!

Later in game, runner stealing 2nd. Incomming throw dialed in two feet over 2nd base, gets there befor the runner,
shortstop is late,
....zings into the out field.
Darn.....great throw!

So here's the choice....
Learn how to have a great pop time!
or
Wait for everyone else to learn
how to cover a base?

Imo
Do our job and throw is a tool that can help teach the rest of the defense....
how to do their job!



KEEP THROWING RUNNERS OUT!

 

[ANNASDAD]

Of course I'd love my catcher to not throw the ball into center or left field if no one is there to receive the ball, and let the runner advance, or even score! But if the catcher hesitates even a second to look to see if anyone is there, the play is already over!

Catchers.......throw the ball, fielders, do your job and know where to be, quickly! Hopefully the coaches will do their job!

 

[Sweet Lou]

why would get mad at the catcher for doing her job?
time to coach the fielder on their coverage responsibility.