The Catching Guy

These catcher initiated timing picks are becoming an almost nightly occurrence. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… if you’re not incorporating these into your games, you should be! #catcherslife #catcherscamp #thelifeofacatcher

One of, if not the best time to back pick is on a missed/pulled back bunt. Watch slo-mo closely. Drive up through LT leg, get ball to throwing hand efficiently & get RT foot planted immediately. We discuss picks at every camp. Message me & I’ll show you where I’m going to be.

@CoachAngst ATH-LETE! 🔥💪

.@TheCatchingGuy

Slow is smooth and smooth is quick! 💪 Padres prospect Ethan Salas with the smooooth moves to throw the runner out at second! He gone! 🔥 #thelifeofacatcher

Cool angle of Gabriel Moreno taking his time with his movements between innings then unleashing a bullet! 🔥💪 #thelifeofacatcher

Here is about 90 seconds of Hunter Goodman’s pre game. 1. Heavy ball receiving (notice coach changes angles and/or location almost every flip). 2. Live machine receiving (2-knee side saddle, LKD, RKD & RKD kicked out). 3. Two knee exchanges w/ extra ball. 4. Throwing routine.

@CodifyBaseball He was fun to watch!

Dale Murphy hit 36 homers in 162 games in 1982. Dale Murphy hit 36 homers in 162 games in 1983. Dale Murphy hit 36 homers in 162 games in 1984. Dale Murphy hit 37 homers in 162 games in 1985.

Want to learn how to do that? Message me “mitt magic” for details on my receiving fundamentals virtual program. #catchertraining #catchers #catcherslife

…that if the catcher has their mitt moving away from the strike zone during the catch, like Bailey does here, it will often times result in a ball call. It’s not always possible due to missed spots but do your best to have mitt moving toward the strike zone, not away from it!

This is a perfect example of “how a catcher receives a pitch can greatly affect what the umpire sees and what they call it.” A lot of people argue that what we do as catchers doesn’t matter and a strike is a strike due to where it crosses the plate. I’m a firm believer (Cont.)

@PitchingNinja Does he do that on purpose? Because if it’s by accident he’s gotta be a nightmare to catch… 😳

Tatsuya Imai's Wrong Way Slider. 🤪 13 inches arm side run.

Tag time (accuracy) matters… this is what we call ZERO tag time! On. The. Money! 💵 Fun to watch! #thelifeofacatcher #catcherswag

Want to improve your exchange? Check out the 1st drill in this progression by Hedges! Obviously it helps to have big, strong hands. ELITE finger dexterity! {Finger dexterity is the ability to move fingers and hands precisely, quickly, and with high coordination} @dnacatching

Here is about 60 seconds of Edgar Quero’s pre-game routine. He had a receiving and footwork focus for this session. What does your pre-game routine focus on? #catchertraining

@BrandonHughes74 The short toss blocks are for feel. Body position, posture, mitt position, etc. Most of them block higher velo off the machine as well. Believe what you want but the knee down is helping a lot of catchers with all aspects of their game.

@TheCatchingGuy The block drills from one knee crack me up. Slow lobs that catch the plate. Imagine thinking it’s a good idea to be on one knee with the winning run on third and a guy throwing 98.

🧵 Here is about 2 minutes of Gabby Moreno’s pre-game routine. 1. Barehand weighted ball rolling receiving 2. Barehand baseball short hop receiving 3. Short toss knee down blocks 4. Live machine receiving 5. Machine pitch exchange & pick or throw w/ footwork (to 2nd, 1st & 3rd)

Never let the first ball you catch, block or “throw” be in the game (or even the pre-game bullpen). Figure out a routine that works for you! #catcherswag #thelifeofacatcher #catchers

@TwinkleToesSSI 🔥🔥🔥

Middle School Championship Game! Canes go on to win 9-0. And wrap up a 14-0 season Man a strike em out throw em out double play gets the heart rate going! @TheCatchingGuy

variations in set ups, foot work and arm slots, rhythm, effort, etc. You do you! This is your last chance to grab a spot in my camp this weekend in Phoenix (Avondale), AZ! Message me “AZ” and I’ll get you what you need!

THIS IS FUN TO WATCH! Here’s a mash up of between innings throw downs from this weekend. When teaching catcher skills at my events, especially throwing, I’m always saying “you do you.” You do what works best for you. Do what gives you the most success. Notice the… (Cont.)

Here is a mash up of catchers on a knee with their foot tucked in vs. kicked out like a lot of catchers are doing now. Again, you do you. We discuss this at every camp. I’ll be in Phoenix at the end of the month. Message me & I’ll get you what you need. #catchertraining

You should be putting yourself in the best position to get a strike call while still be able to move to block (and perform any other responsibilities). That set up can be different for everyone. You do you! Use the set up that works for YOU. (Cont.)