When a runner steals second, the catcher has about 3 seconds total. The catch, the stand-up, the throw, all in one motion. This is the hardest defensive play a youth catcher will ever make. Worth practicing slowly.
What you need: Catcher’s gear, a glove, 6 baseballs, a second player at second base, a pitcher (or a coach) to throw the pitch.
Setup: Catcher behind home plate in full gear. Second baseman at the bag. Pitcher at 46 feet from home.
How to run it:
- Cue: Turn, Shuffle, Point, Fire. The catcher’s version is “Catch, Stand, Step, Fire.”
- Pitcher throws a strike to the catcher.
- Catcher catches, stands up by pushing off the back foot, takes a small step toward second, and throws.
- Time it from the catch to when the second baseman receives. Goal: under 3 seconds. Tell the catcher their time.
- Do 6 throws. Reset between each.
What to watch: The throwing motion. Many catchers throw flat-footed because they think speed comes from skipping the step. The step adds power and accuracy. Step every time.
If they’re struggling: Drop the pitch. Hand the ball to the catcher in stance. They stand up and throw.
If they’ve got it: Add a runner stealing from first. The catcher has to beat the runner. Throw on a line, not a rainbow.