Catching drills are useful exercises that help catchers become faster and more flexible. They are also helpful in teaching young players how to catch. It is important to keep in mind that these exercises require patience. When practicing, younger players should not skip the first few steps.
The first step in a catching drill is to set up in a barehand stance. This will allow the player to focus on closing their fingers when the ball enters the mitt. Be sure to position yourself close to the plate, but not too close. This will give you the best opportunity to feel the ball.
Once you have settled in, you need to be ready to receive a pitch. Practicing a variety of catches will allow you to develop both strong and soft catches. However, it is recommended that you practice soft catches first before making a strong catch. Soft catches allow you to learn the proper way to snatch the ball out of the air. You may notice that you can re-grip the ball if you practice catching a fly ball, so it is important to practice these techniques regularly.
Next, you will want to use your feet to help you block the pitch. Your feet and legs should be spread apart, but not too wide. If you are not sure where to stand, start with a crouching stance. To be more comfortable with the crouching stance, you can try stretching your body to the side.
As you get closer to the plate, the catcher will need to be aware of runners on base. When a runner crosses the plate, the catcher must take extra steps to get to the backstop to get the ball in the glove. A clean catch and release can throw out a base runner. In addition, a strong snatch can lead to a rebounding ball.
The next part of the drill involves a hunch. While hunching, the catcher should look down on the ground. From there, the catcher will lower their knees. At the same time, the catcher should also lower their mitt. Doing this will keep the catcher in the strike zone.
The catcher will then need to close the hole between their legs. To help the catcher feel the ball, a tennis ball can be used. Players can add more balls to the bucket for an even stronger drill.
Lastly, a catcher must be able to recognize the direction of the pitch. This will help them develop a quick reaction and increase their speed. They should also be able to see where the ball is going. Often, pitchers will keep pitches up in the zone.
Another good catching drill for beginners is to practice tossing from behind. The catcher will be given a ball that has been rolled at medium speed. During this practice, the catcher will then pick up the ball and throw it to the batter in front of him or her. There are various other catching drills that are designed to help younger players improve their skills.