Communication is overrated

For anyone who has ever seen me coach, the title of this post may seem more than a little hypocritical. That’s because I never shut up once the game starts. I don’t think I’m alone when it comes to coaches who are working with young players. At the younger levels there is a constant need […]

How to know when they are stealing your pitches

Today’s video post will help pitchers, catchers, and coaches determine whether or not the offensive team has been stealing your pitches during at-bats.  There are other signs that something fishy is going on but the one explained in today’s video usually is the best indication that the other batter(s) know what pitch is coming.   […]

The timing of giving signs to pitchers

    Thursday’s post:  You had a bad season.  Now what? ___________________________________________________________________ *To plan for the upcoming season, check out all the eBooks from Baseball By The Yard by clicking HERE! *My Four-Week Guide to Developing Pitchers For Game #1 has been a big hit!  Get it HERE!  It’s less than 5 smackers which makes […]

RUNNER!!

Go to a college game (and many high school) games and you will undoubtedly hear multiple people from the defensive team yell “RUNNER!!” when a runner takes off to steal.  My son’s 11 year old team is just starting to learn this concept.  For them, this is the first year runners can take leads and […]

Pre-game drills for catchers

As teams get older, catching becomes more of an impact position on the field.  Having the unathletic kid strap on the equipment and kneel behind the plate in order to hide him no longer works after about the age of 9.  Throwing to bases on steals, fielding bunts, giving signs to pitchers and infielders, blocking […]

The ball travels faster than your glove

When the game gets faster at each higher level, the smaller details of every play become magnified.  Minor flaws in a batter’s swing get exposed.  Missing your release point by a half an inch causes your curveball to hang.  Taking a little too big of a loop around first base causes a runner to be […]

Catchers, you don’t need to know who is covering

Today’s video tip is for catchers and it involved another pet-peeve of mine.     *To plan for the upcoming season, check out all the eBooks from Baseball By The Yard by clicking HERE! *My Four-Week Guide to Developing Pitchers For Game #1 has been a big hit!  Get it HERE!  It’s less than 5 […]

Two tips for catching low strikes

One big job for catchers is to help their pitchers get more strikes called on close pitches.  How they receive/catch the ball can play a large role in that.  In today’s video, Coach McCreary shows catchers two ways they can get more strikes called on low pitches.

Tip for catchers to help their coach on close pitches

“COME ON, UMP!  WHERE’S THAT PITCH?  LET’S GO!”” Sit close to a field and you will hear a lot of variations of the phrase above.  Quite often, what follows will be the umpire calling time-out, taking his mask off, and telling the coach(es) to pipe down or else they will be watching the rest of […]

Improve the last warm-up pitch before the inning

We’ve all seen it a thousand times … the catcher yells “Comin’ down!” before the last warm-up pitch by the pitcher.  At the higher levels, the catcher just puts his throwing arm out to the side and doesn’t yell anything.  The extended arm alerts the middle-infielder to be at the bag after the next warm-up […]

Why don’t more catchers drop a knee?

Being a catcher has to be the most physically demanding job on a baseball field.  Heck, my knees hurt just warming up a pitcher for a few throws.  I can’t imagine squatting down day in and day out over the course of a 162 game schedule. This is why I can’t understand why more catchers […]

The (un)holy alliance between pitchers and catchers (Part 2)

A few months ago I shared a photo that was circulating on social media which appeared to show a “dark substance” on the shin guard of a Major League catcher.  I implied that it was pine tar to help the pitcher.  I’m sure some people were not convinced.  To see that post and the photo, […]

Managing the 1st and 3rd play: A tip for catchers

One of the toughest plays for young teams is the 1st and 3rd play.  The runner on first base steals and if the catcher throws it to second, the runner on third scores.  If the catcher just holds it, you know have two runners in scoring position.  Add a rundown in there and all hell break […]

The (un)holy alliance between pitchers and catchers

Here is a picture of Indians catcher Roberto Perez that was making the rounds on social media.  I added the red circle to focus your attention to the topic of discussion. Notice the dark brown spot on the throwing side shin guard?  What do you imagine that is?  If you said “pine tar” you would […]

Another option for catchers when blocking

Today’s video tip is another option for catchers concerning what to do with their throwing hand/arm while blocking.  Getting hit on the throwing hand/arm on balls in the dirt are not much fun.  Typically, catchers are taught to hide the hand behind the glove to protect it. Here’s another option I am seeing more and […]

Aggressive through the ball

Some phrases in baseball cover many different aspects of the game.  “Aggressive through the ball” is one of them.  Today’s video explains several ways it applies to baseball players.

Make the throws easy for the pitcher

“Seriously?  You can’t make an accurate 50 foot throw to the pitcher?” I’ve never actually said that to a catcher … but I’ve darn well thought it!  And don’t lie.  I know you have too. As a coach, the last thing you want to be concerned about is will your catcher make good throws back […]

How to play catch – Sticking your catches

Today’s video tip a another little thing that can go a long way in helping young players develop proper catching and throwing mechanics.  Sticking your catches promotes strong hands and helps to prevent a player from being at the mercy of the ball.  It’s great for young kids and even advanced catchers. HERE is the more […]

Batter’s interference

Boy, there are so many things to write about concerning this year’s World Series. I’ll be writing about several but today’s is about something you don’t see very often.  And not because it rarely happens. To leadoff Game 4, Alcides Escobar singled and attempted to steal second base on a two-strike count to Ben Zobrist.  Zobrist swung […]

How to throw the ball back to the pitcher

Ever have catchers specifically do a drill that just requires them to throw the ball back to the pitcher correctly?  Probably not.  That’s because we just assume they should just know how to do it.   Most older kids just figure out how to get the ball back on their own through trial & error […]

World Series insights – Game 3 & 4

BONUS SUNDAY POST! These insights from Game 3 and 4 of the current World Series between the Mets and the Royals are in no particular order.  Once again, I provide links to posts and videos I’ve previously done that expand on these ideas.  Enjoy! Game 3: The Met’s catcher made a big mistake and let […]

2015 World Series insights – Game 1 & 2

It looks like the Royals will make fast work of the Mets unless New York can turn that momentum around in a hurry.  Here is a list of some of the things I noticed from Game 1 and Game 2.  I also linked to previous posts and videos where I discussed or demonstrated that topic. […]

Another catching tip to get more strikes

The primary job for any catcher is to help pitchers get more strikes.  A catcher who is terrific at receiving is pure joy to throw to every game.  Today’s video tip is one of many tricks good catchers use to help get more strikes for the guy on the bump.

Traits of a good catcher

I’ve been watching a lot of the MLB Draft commentary on TV and a common theme when discussions turn to catchers is that everyone wants a good catcher.  It’s been said many times that the fastest way to the major leagues is to be a good catcher.  I’m not sure if the stats match that […]

The ball is not getting past me

There are a lot of plays in baseball when catching the ball is just not going to happen.  On a steal attempt, the catcher  makes a bad throw and short hops the shortstop or second baseman.  A rocket is hit down to the third baseman.  A line drive is hit just in front of the outfielder. […]

Throw to the center of the plate

Tired of long games?  Sick of seeing pitchers nibble the corners and end up 2-0 to every batter?  If so, tell your catchers to set up right down the middle and knee high on every pitch until there are two strikes.  0-2 and 1-2, move to the corners.  If the count gets to 2-2, move […]

Catchers do not need to know who is covering

On a recent video post I mentioned that we all have pet peeves as coaches.  In the video I explained why a shortstop yelling “inside” or “outside” to a first basemen on a 3-6-3 double play irks me.  To see the video, click HERE. Today’s post involves another one of my pet peeves.  This time […]

How to throw more strikes – visual tips

Is there anything worse than watching a pitcher throw out of the strike zone over and over again?  Aside from yelling something stupid like “Throw strikes!“, are there any quick ways to get the kid back on track so that everyone can move on with their lives in less than three hours?  The answer is […]

Another myth about how catchers throw

A couple years ago I created a short video detailing the “Ball to Ear Myth” for catchers and the way they throw.  Another myth about how catchers throw goes like this – Catchers must be taught to throw straight over the top in order to prevent the ball from tailing to second or third base. […]

Look for this before snap throws to third

In May, 2011, I wrote a post titled Snap throws to third base.  I explained that the defensive team needs to look for runners who are not properly timing their plant foot landing (right foot ALWAYS!) as the pitch is crossing home plate.  Some runners will make the mistake of landing too late on that […]

No reflexive looks

A pitcher comes set, looks back to second base, looks to home, and throws a pitch.  The runner on second base leaves early and practically walks to third base for an easy steal.  “What the … ?  How did he not see his huge lead?  He was looking right at him!” A batter comes toward […]

Pitchout tips for catchers

Today’s video tips are for catchers who want/need to improve on pitchouts from the pitcher.  I don’t get into everything a catcher needs to be concerned about because that would have taken too much time.  In this segment I chose just a few things catchers should be aware of when performing the play. Tomorrow’s post: […]

Should a catcher angle his body when receiving?

The title of this post is a question I have received a couple times concerning catchers.  Today’s video tip is my answer. Tomorrow’s post:  Ankle weight drill for batters

Video – Another option for catchers on throws to third base

The throw to third base for catchers is not an easy one when there is a right handed batter standing in the batter’s box.  To deal with this problem, catchers should NOT … Step in front of the the batter towards the mound and then make the throw to third base. Throw over the head […]

The importance of framing

Anyone who says a good receiver behind the plate is overrated has probably never had a good one.  I personally have thrown to many catchers in my day and believe me, a good receiver is worth his weight in gold.  That’s why a good receiver can hit under .250 and spend many years in the […]

The fingers go between the head and ball

Changing the way a young man throws a baseball is probably the hardest thing to do when it comes to private instruction.  However, if there was one thing I could adjust with every young player’s throwing motion it would be to make sure his throwing fingers were on top of and/or between the ball and […]

Keep your hands strong

Up until about the 1980’s, weight training was considered to be not very productive for baseball players.  Old time players felt lifting weights tightened up their bodies too much and didn’t prepare them for the functional flexibility required for running the bases and throwing a baseball.  When you look at all of today’s arm injuries […]

How to give a pitchout sign

In just about all levels of baseball, the catcher’s sign for the pitchout is the fist.  The catcher gets the sign from the coach, he puts the fist down, and the pitcher complies.  Pretty simple. When you get to the higher levels, however, this simplicity can make it easier for the other team (or base […]

Two out close plays at first base

Here’s the situation … runner on second base with two outs.  A ball is hit to an infielder who bobbles it and throws to first base.  The play at first will be a bang-bang play. If the runner is out, it’s inning over.  If the runner is safe, there is a very good chance the […]

10 strikes a game

Here is a quick tip/goal for catchers … Challenge yourself to get your pitcher 10 more strikes a game. To accomplish this, catchers need to be good in the following areas: Keeping movements behind the plate to a minimum. Beat the ball to its location so you can catch with the glove moving inward. Have […]

Tag plays and collisions at home plate

You are probably aware of the new MLB rule that attempts to ban collisions at home plate.  There has been a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of the rule and whether it will actually work.  I see validity on both sides but all things considered, I like the rule. My worry, however, […]

Why catchers should keep their masks on

Except when a catcher is fielding bunts, getting under pop-ups, or involved in rundowns, catchers should always keep their masks on.  This is especially true on plays at the plate.  Why? That’s why. Tomorrow’s post:  Level of mastery

Catchers – Learn from your pain

Although catching was never my primary position, I’ve done enough of it in games to know that it is tough on the body.  Foul tips off the shoulder and thighs, bouncing balls into your forearms, collisions at the plate, and many other painful events make catching a position many kids want to avoid. For those […]

Catchers: Sway to the ball or reach?

The primary job for all catchers is to get more strikes for their pitchers.  As a result, the technique involved in receiving pitches is something catchers cannot practice enough. One debate among catching people is whether or not a catcher should reach for the pitch or sway to the pitch.  In today’s video post I […]

Catchers … at the knees!

The photo below shows another one of my pet-peeves when I watch young kids play baseball.  Unfortunately, it reaches into the high school level once in a while too.  See if you can figure it out. Answer:  The target is too high. Every hitter in the known universe likes the pitch out over the plate […]

Signal options for catchers

Yesterday’s post was about catchers giving signals during throwing sessions.  I thought I’d give a few options for catchers when it comes to giving signs. The options below are generally done when there is a runner at second base.  You mix the signs up so that the runner will not know what the pitch will […]

Throwing with signals

 Here’s a quick suggestion for pitchers and catchers now that the throwing season is starting up: When pitchers start throwing from a mound, have them get a sign from the catcher first.  Even if all they are throwing is fastballs.  Here are three reasons: This is what they are going to have to do during […]

Leads and snap throws to third base

When you see a major league catcher attempt a snap throw pickoff  to any base, you can assume somebody saw something that led to the play.  The third baseman may have noticed the type of lead the runner on third took during the pitch.  Someone on the bench may have noticed something else.  Whatever the […]

The one hop throw to second base

One of the biggest challenges for young players is transitioning to larger fields.  Many of the mistakes that players can get away with on small fields just don’t fly on big fields.  There are so many examples of this.  Today’s post is one regarding catchers. When kids start to play on the larger fields, runners […]

Pop-up drills for catchers

When practicing pop-up drills for catchers, there are a number of ways you can do it.  The best way, as shown in yesterday’s post, is with a pitching machine.  If you do not have one available, it is virtually impossible to mimic the  infield drift part of the play unless you are gifted with a […]

Practicing for Infield Drift

In yesterday’s post I explained the concept of infield drift.  Unfortunately, there is really only one way to practice this play effectively and that means using a pitching machine.  Of course, if you have an advanced degree in hitting pop-ups with a fungo then you are all set.  Most coaches don’t have the ability to […]

Infield drift

A batter hits a ball straight up over home plate a mile high.  A “home run in an elevator shaft” as they say.  The catcher rips his mask off, turns his back to the infield (like he should), and confidently screams “I got it!”   When the ball starts to come down the catcher starts […]

When should a catcher go to the mound?

At the major league level you will often see catchers call time-out and take a trip to the mound to have a word with their pitcher.  Usually these trips are not called for by coaches.  The catchers decide when the time is right.  At the lower levels, catchers are usually hesitant to call time-out and […]

Losses go next to the pitcher’s name

If you are a fan of the film Bull Durham, you probably remember the scenes where the catcher, Crash Davis, tells the batter what pitch is coming.  The reason for telling the batter was to get back at the pitcher for shaking off his signs.  Clearly Crash Davis didn’t appreciate the rookie pitcher calling his […]

A catcher’s sign to his coach

One of the many challenges of a coach is handling arguments over balls and strikes.  Any argument can immediately get you ejected so coaches certainly have to tred lightly in that area.  One of the best ways to deal with that is to have your catcher give you a sign when a pitch was absolutely […]

Catchers, please stay still

At the major league level, it has become quite the fad to have catchers move to their location late into the pitcher’s delivery.  I can’t stand it.  I hated it as a pitcher and I hate it as a coach.  Although there may be more reason to do this at the higher levels, I still […]

Seminar – It all starts with defense (Part 2)

This is the fifth of seven videos from a coaching clinic I participated in at North Penn High School in Lansdale, PA. The clinics were presented to mostly Little League coaches.  The purpose was to pass on a basic foundation of the game to all the coaches.  I am posting all of the seminars – […]

Shaking off location

How many of you are sick and tired of the three hour baseball game?  I know I am.  There are many things that lengthen the game unnecessarily but one thing that irritates me more than others is all the trips to the mound by the catchers to go over pitch selection.  I mean how difficult […]

Receiving high and low pitches

One of the most important jobs for a catcher is receiving the ball correctly so as to help get more strikes called for his pitcher.  Most catchers understand the concept of framing pitches at an early age.  Today’s video post teaches catchers another basic tip that, along with general framing techniques, can get more strike […]

Take your head to the ball

Throughout baseball, many kids are taught to keep their heads as still as possible.  Unfortunately, when you watch good players play the game, they will often move their head quite a bit.  The concept of “keeping your head still” has more to do with keeping your eyes level and not keeping your head completely still. […]

Blocking v catching

One of the more difficult things to teach young catchers to do is to “block” the pitch that goes into the dirt instead of trying to “catch” the ball in the dirt.  Today’s clip shows the difference between the two and why blocking is better than catching.

Protecting the bare hand of catchers

If you are a catcher, sooner or later your bare hand is going to be hit with a foul ball.  When that happens, you will very quickly be reminded of how important it is to protect that bare hand when you are receiving pitches during a game.  In today’s video clip, I show a few […]

Paddle drills

A fielding paddle is a great piece of equipment to practice with for all ages.  Paddles are mostly used to promote good fielding mechanics like using two hands and developing soft hands as well. However, paddles don’t have to be just for fielding ground balls.  Paddle drills can also be done to help bunters, pitchers, […]

Common catching mistakes

Over the next week, I will be reposting a series I did way back at the start of Baseball By The Yard that covers common mistakes players make by position.  New posts will begin again on Wednesday, January 2. First up … common catching mistakes! Too much movement before the pitch.  Ever try throwing a […]

The fake shake

I saw this video clip the other day and I thought it would be a good thing to pass along for those who are catchers.  Click on the link below and watch: http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1684493/Strikeout_10.gif You’ll notice that before the catcher gives the sign to the pitcher, he shakes his head a couple times.  The purpose of […]

Soft hands drill for catchers

The off-season and especially spring training can be brutal for catchers.  With all the emphasis on developing pitchers, often it’s the catchers who are left to simply catch bullpen after bullpen.  I’ve written before about the importance of not neglecting your catchers but here is an easy drill that can do a lot to develop […]

Confident signs from catchers

Many high school programs are starting to have their pitchers throw.  Although most of the emphasis of these workouts are on the pitchers, catchers need this time to work on their needs as well. Having worked with many high school catchers in my career, a common problem I’ve tended to see in most of these […]

Watching runners tag up

One of the challenges umpires have is watching runners tag up.  They have to watch both the ball being caught and the runner take off at the same time which can be virtually impossible depending on their positioning.  To cope with this, umpires are taught, whenever possible, to get both the runner and the outfielder […]

Don’t neglect your catchers

Here’s a YouTube video I came across that shows some Yankee catchers working out in Spring Training.  It’s a long video so click through it to get the idea of the two drills.  Here are a couple comments to think about as you watch. 1. Hitting balls into the dirt for a blocking drill is […]

“Ball to the ear” myth

Good advice from Ivan Rodriguez

I had the pleasure of playing against Ivan Rodriguez in the minor leagues.  Even though it was only a couple spring training games, it was clear to everyone who saw him as a 19 year old that he was going to be a star.  During pre-game infield/outfield, the entire field just stopped to watch him […]

Catchers: Don’t ever make this mistake

At the major league level, catchers get no discretion when it comes to whether balls thrown in the dirt can be tossed back to the pitcher.  There is no shortage of baseballs at that level so every time a pitch hits the dirt, the ball is immediately removed from the game and replaced with a […]

Catchers: Knees down together

 

Catchers: Glove down first

Umpires never owe you one

“You owe us one, Blue!” No they don’t. We’ve all heard this from a dugout at some point.  Hearing that phrase actually is one of my pet peeves.  It usually follows a questionable call on the bases or behind the plate on balls and strikes.  The theory goes that if a bad call is made […]

Catchers: Soft hands, strong hands

Today’s video clip shows catchers the importance of having soft, relaxed hands prior to receiving the ball and strong hands when actually catching the pitch.

The flaw in catcher pop-times

Block the routine ball

One of the many jobs of a catcher is to block pitches in the dirt.  There’s nothing worse than seeing a catcher constantly make that trip back to the backstop to retrieve a ball that should have been blocked.  Especially if it meant that runners moved up or batters got to first base as a […]

The toughest job in pro baseball

It seems like more and more colleges and high school teams are moving towards quarterback style wristbands that have coded messages for signs and pitches.  I wrote a post a while back on what I thought about them.  The post is HERE if you haven’t read it.  Basically, the coach calls the sign or the […]

Take off like an airplane

A little while back, I was listening to former major league catcher, Brent Mayne, talk about catching.  He mentioned that a catcher should think of an airplane when he is coming out of a crouch to catch and make a throw to second or third base on a steal attempt.  Although he was referring to […]

Catchers: Be sure to protect your hand

Catch long enough and you are sure to take a few foul balls off various unprotected areas of the body.  The proper catching stance coupled with wearing the equipment right will limit a catcher’s vulnerability but it certainly will never eliminate it completely.  One of the biggest dangers a catcher faces is a ball that […]

Two fungo drills you may not have done

Using a fungo bat is synonymous with coaching baseball.  With the amount of ground balls and fly balls I hit during the course of a normal season, I’d be lost without mine.  Below are two drills that you may not have thought of that involve the use of a fungo bat.Note:  Both of these drills […]

The Suicide Squeeze – Part 5: Defending the squeeze play

As I have stated numerous times in this series on the suicide squeeze, if the offensive team hides it well, uses the proper timing, and executes the fundamentals of the bunt, there is virtually nothing a defense can do to stop the suicide squeeze.  Therefore, defending the squeeze play basically involves taking advantage of any […]

Book Review: Catching 101

You may have noticed something new on my blog in recent days.  In the upper right side of the page there is a picture/link to a book called Catching 101: The complete guide for baseball catchers. Some time ago I interviewed University of Louisville Assistant Baseball Coach Xan Barksdale and turned it into a blog […]

Catchers: Tips before giving the pitch sign

At some point during a televised major league game, the camera usually will focus up close on the catcher while he gives the pitch sign and location to the guy on the mound.  If you look carefully, here are two things you’ll probably see the catcher do before giving the sign:   Besides looking in […]

Catchers and throws to third base

In the summer of 1998, I had the pleasure of coaching under former 8 year major league catcher Ed Ott.  “Otter” played for the Pittsburgh Pirates where he helped win a World Series in 1979 and finished his playing career with the California Angels.  Before one game, I was talking to our catcher about some […]

Another option for defending the double-steal

In a major league game with runners on first and second, you’ll probably notice that the catcher usually will step out in front of the plate and give the infield players some hand signals of some kind.  What he is doing is letting the infielders know what base he will be throwing to if the […]

The Delayed Steal (Part 3)

The first baseman is not to blame on a delayed steal.He will be looking home before the runner goes. In Part 2, I listed and explained what coaches should look for before giving the delayed steal sign to a runner at first base.  If you read it, you’ll notice I didn’t say anything about mistakes […]

Catchers and pre-game

Most every team at the lower levels takes pre-game infield/outfield practice.  Here is a tip for catchers during this pre-game routine. Find out how the ball bounces. Seeing how a throw bounces in front of home plate isnot something you want to find out with a runnerapproaching and the game on the line. One of the […]

Snap throws to third base

One of the more demoralizing things that can happen to an offensive team is to have a base runner picked off third base.  I’ve written a post or two on base running and taking leads but this post is for the defensive team and mostly for the third baseman and catcher. Watching how this guys […]

Collisions at home plate

The following clip shows you all you need to know about the potential danger of collisions at home plate.  I’m sure many a catcher has woken up in a cold sweat after dreaming of Bo Jackson or Prince Fielder bearing down at them at home plate.  This type of play has the potential for serious […]

Interview with Coach Barksdale – Univ. of Louisville

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Coach Xan Barksdale of the University of Louisville.  Coach Barksdale is one of college baseball’s best catching instructors.  He was a Division I catcher himself at the University of Mississippi and went on to catch in the Atlanta Braves organization.  He has a terrific website and a […]

The silent catcher

For every position or role on the field there are a given set of expectations for a player, should he want to be successful.  The nature of the lead-off spot in the order demands that a player be good at getting on base.  A third or fourth hitter should have a greater ability to drive […]

Pitchout tips for Catchers

Yesterday’s post described why a pitchout, even if the runner does not steal on the pitch, can be valuable and what pitchers can do to make their pitchouts more effective.  Today I offer four tips for catchers on pitchouts. Make sure this guy is not looking in to steal your signs.(Photo by Computeress) Peek at […]

Pitchout tips for pitchers

One of the things that pitchers and catchers rarely practice is pitchouts.  Pitchouts can be very effective even if the runner does not steal.  Obviously, if the runner goes the catcher has a better chance of throwing the runner out.  Even if the runner doesn’t go, it still puts the pitchout in the mind of […]

The importance of a good catcher

If you have not seen this article from espn.com, it’s worth the time.  Especially if you are a catcher or know someone who is.  Click on the title.  Below the picture are links to a few other sites that catchers and coaches might find useful.  “A relationship that’s extremely important“  (Photo: Howard Smith/US Presswire)As if […]