Mongero Monday #25 – Trent Mongero is joined by Todd Coburn. Coach Todd is one of the most sought after catching coaches in the world who is known for not only his passion for the position, but also his passion for teaching the position.
Topic: Catching A-Z
Show Notes:
- “The Catching Guy”
- Characteristics of a successful catcher= Catch, block, throw
- What separates you from other catchers: game savvy, leadership qualities, communication, mental side.
- Ability to run the pitching staff.
- Communication is KEY.
- The catcher needs to be a field general.
- Order of importance as a catcher: receiving, blocking, throwing.
- You can impact a game, at bat, inning based off of your receiving skills.
- A catcher can receive from 80-220 pitches in a nine inning game.
- Everything is prioritized based on what happens most throughout the game.
- When receiving the ball, sticking the ball is not wrong but when you move the ball you get a lot more strike calls.
- Being on time when receiving the ball your glove needs to be moving towards the plate.
- When done correctly on time and efficiently the umpire will not see the catcher movement with the glove.
- Younger players (8-12) most of the time they don’t have the strength to catch and manipulate the ball.
- At a young age work to catch the ball first before working on anything else.
- Receiving has 4 points: being on time, manipulating the ball, giving the umpire a consistent look, and pocket the ball.
- The clean catch promotes confidence to the pitcher and it gives confidence to the umpire to call a strike.
- Benefits of the one knee position:energy saver and comfort, getting grounded/stabilizing (getting lower to the ground), opening up a window for the umpire.
- Based on catchers athleticism/ body type should depend on whether you should catch on one knee.
- Also know your pitcher. If your pitcher has consistency then you can set up with one knee.
- Game situations will determine if you can sit on one knee.
- Adjust your mind set based on pitch location.
- Understanding secondary positions when you have your right/left knee down.
- Common flaws of throwing as a catcher.
- When you’re throwing you should think = Right to left…left to target!
- Arm Path.
- Long hop is the easiest to handle…long hop or no hop.
- When making a throw to second base…you should be starting to move before the ball gets to plate.
- Two most common flaws of transition on receiving the ball from the catcher: pocket awareness, too much separation between their hands.
- Understanding grip as a catcher.
- Breaking down holds and looks…working on timing
- Philosophy of when catchers should start calling pitches.
- Show Notes Coming Soon
