with Mark Viramontes, University of San Diego Catching Coach
Finally -a comprehensive total training DVD for catchers! Coach Viramontes begins this excellent DVD with throwing from the knees with an emphasis on getting the ball out of the glove. From the loaded position, players are taught to keep the elbow above the shoulder and incorporate the entire body in the throw. Transferring is the key to the full-speed exchange and throw technique. From the catcher's crouch, Viramontes teaches ball-glove technique, exchanges and pulling the ball out of the glove. When teaching the crouch, Viramontes says the majority of weight should be on the front two-thirds of the feet. Another key is the ability to position the body to catch any kind of pitch. The set up is a fundamental aspect of successful catching and Viramontes covers all of the important elements. Keeping the ball "one step away" is a term used for blocking the pitch. When blocking, players are taught to "see the back of the ball." Teaching points for pop-ups and bunts are also covered, including efficient footwork. A great resource for catchers at all levels!
with Scott Stricklin, Kent State University Head Coach; former Georgia Tech Assistant Coach
Coach Scott Stricklin brings his wealth of knowledge on catching in this comprehensive baseball DVD. Coach Stricklin discusses four key areas of catching - the setup, proper receiving, blocking pitches and proper throwing. He provides comprehensive instruction on the set up including primary and secondary stances, signal calling, proper body and hand position to receive the baseball and hiding signals. In the receiving section, Stricklin details the four keys to properly receive or frame the ball to make each pitch look as good as possible. In the blocking section, Stricklin covers the ideal position for the glove, arms, chest, head and feet to block pitches. In the throwing section, Stricklin demonstrates the proper techniques to develop quick hands and feet, the crucial techniques to improve a catcher's throwing ability. Over 15 drills are demonstrated to help fine tune these techniques. This former two tape set brings all the techniques and drills to develop an All-Star catcher onto one baseball DVD.
with Joe Mercadante, University of Miami Assistant Coach (catchers)
This excellent three-part instructional DVD highlights receiving, blocking and throwing techniques for catchers. Joe Mercadante begins with stretching and flexibility - two big parts of developing good catchers. Drills for stretching hip flexors are catching specific that completely prepare catchers. Coach Mercadante then presents his receiving philosophy for catchers. In receiving Mercadante covers the elements of a good foundation, balance and target. Drills for receiving, including the bare hand drill, ball-in-hand drill, quarter turn and side-to-side drills, are illustrated. To develop good blocking fundamentals, Mercadante discusses blocking the 5 hole and throwing the hip to block. To develop these fundamentals he shows the side-to side drill and the five-ball drill. The third element is throwing. When the ball is caught, players are taught to work it back to his left shoulder, which aids their footwork. Mercadante dissects the jab step - the first movement forward after the catch. Exploding out of the blocks and keeping the weight over the feet are other keys he covers. The fundamentals, skills and drills presented in this DVD lay the foundation for successful catchers.
This baseball video DVD is based on the same drills featured at Baseball World s Training Center in Orlando, Fla. These drills focus on five areas to make your team stronger. Those areas include: Arm Strength, running speed, practice organization, infield/outfield skills and quickness/agility. 1990. 47 minutes.
with Matt Walbeck, Altoona Curve (AA) Manager (Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate); Baseball America's 2007 Minor League Manager of the Year, 2007 Eastern League Manager of the Year; former Erie SeaWolves (AA) manager (Detroit Tigers affiliate and West Michigan Whitecaps Manager; 2X Midwest League Champions (Class A)
Matt Walbeck's 11-year career in the major leagues is on display in this instructional baseball DVD on the basics of catching. Coach Walbeck begins by discussing the proper stance for catchers. Good stance eliminates reaching and being off balance. Walbeck stresses the importance of setting up in the middle and challenging the hitter to make contact. Skills are taught for throwing back to the pitcher and throwing to second base. Emphasis is placed on the proper footwork, which is the key to these throws. Handling pitchouts are a skill analyzed for both right handed and left handed hitters. To deal with baserunners, key elements are pointed out that will lead to skill development. Other teaching points include fielding bunts to the third base line, first base and straight on. Walbeck includes the rapid fire drill, which works footwork, positioning, getting the ball quickly out of the glove and throwing. Additional catching drills included are the technique drill, soft hands drill, blocking the ball and blocking home plate. Catching pop-ups is covered with the traditional and hockey mask. Backing up first base is another key skill covered by Walbeck. Fundamentals are important in catching as in any athletic pursuit, and consistency in catching will aid your pitcher and the umpire.
with Steve Johnigan, Catchers' and Infielders Coach, Baylor University
This video is filled with drills to improve your catcher's technique, anticipation, and conditioning. Demonstrated are proper techniques for stance, receiving, blocking, and throwing. Johnigan demonstrates each technique, then presents drills to reinforce each skill. Drills include: bare hand and glove receiving, blocking pitches (to the right, left, or short of the plate), blocking and framing, pitchout footwork, and throwing to second. Each drill begins basic, then increases in intensity to simulate game-like situations. The Baylor program uses these drills every day to improve the performance of their catchers!
with Rusty Filter, San Diego State University Associate Head Coach / Pitching Coach
Coach Filter breaks down 10 essentials that any catcher needs to know and know how to do well. Filter will teach you step-by-step how to build your catcher from the stance up. Two different stances are taught in great detail along with how to properly receive a fastball or a breaking ball. Drills are included that will assist in turning your catchers' stone hands into soft hands that are able to handle any pitch with ease. Proper footwork when throwing to 2nd and 3rd base, fielding bunts do the 1st and 3rd base lines, fielding pop ups, and tagging out a running coming home are all areas covered in great detail in this video. Blocking pitches from many angles, along with multiple blocking drills, are also demonstrated.
with Matt Walbeck, Altoona Curve (AA) Manager (Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate); Baseball America's 2007 Minor League Manager of the Year, 2007 Eastern League Manager of the Year; former Erie SeaWolves (AA) manager (Detroit Tigers affiliate and West Michigan Whitecaps Manager; 2X Midwest League Champions (Class A)
A good catcher must know what his pitcher has on any given day. Coach Walbeck, an 11-year major league catcher, presents a unique look at developing the Pitcher-Catcher relationship. Good communication between the catcher and pitcher before and during the game will lead to greater success. An overall pitching plan is devised between the coach, pitcher and the catcher. Topics to discuss are reviewing signs and different counts you will encounter during the game. During the game, a major duty of the catcher is to visit the mound and settle down the pitcher in tough situations. Communicating signals is another important job of a good catcher. In addition, Walbeck talks about the value of the back-up catcher and how to keep him ready to play at all times. Developing good catchers will help your team win more games and will help the development of good pitchers, too!
