10 Drills to Improve Your Baseball Catching Skills

For baseball players, the importance of a good catcher cannot be understated. Not only do they have to have the technical skills to perfectly catch the ball, but they also need to have the knowledge to call the right pitch and know what the opposing team is planning. That is why it is important for all aspiring catchers to practice and hone their skills, and the following 10 drills will help you do just that.

Basic Catching Drills

The first step in improving your catching skills is developing the basics. That means learning to catch a ball from different angles, with different speeds, and with different types of pitches. Here are the 5 drills you should practice to help improve your basic catching skills.

1. Pitch Reception

The first drill you should practice is pitch reception. This drill requires you to stand in front of a pitcher to practice catching balls of different speeds, styles, and angles. This is a great way to get used to catching different types of pitches, and it also helps you learn how to quickly react and adjust your glove to catch the ball.

2. Narrow Angle Drill

The narrow angle drill is a great way to practice catching balls that are thrown from a narrow angle. This drill requires you to stand in front of a pitcher and catch balls thrown from a narrow angle. This will help you hone your reflexes and accuracy, two key components of catching.

3. Glove Work

The next drill you should practice is glove work. This drill requires you to stand with your glove up and practice catching balls without using your body. This drill is great for teaching you how to use your glove to catch balls and hone your reflexes.

4. Blocking Balls

The fourth drill you should practice is blocking balls. This drill requires you to stand in front of a pitching machine and practice blocking balls with your glove. This drill is great for teaching you how to use your body to block balls, which is an important part of catching.

5. Catching on the Run

The last drill you should practice is catching on the run. This drill requires you to stand in front of a pitching machine and practice catching balls while running. This drill is great for teaching you how to catch balls while moving, which is an important part of catching.

Advanced Catching Drills

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to move on to more advanced catching drills. Here are the 5 drills you should practice to help improve your advanced catching skills.

1. Backhand Drill

The first advanced drill you should practice is the backhand drill. This drill requires you to stand in front of a pitching machine and practice catching balls with your backhand. This drill is great for teaching you how to use your backhand to catch balls, which is an important part of catching.

2. Glove Flip Drill

The second advanced drill you should practice is the glove flip drill. This drill requires you to stand in front of a pitching machine and practice flipping your glove to catch balls. This drill is great for teaching you how to quickly flip your glove to catch balls, which is an important part of catching.

3. Low Throws Drill

The third advanced drill you should practice is the low throws drill. This drill requires you to stand in front of a pitching machine and practice catching balls that are thrown low. This drill is great for teaching you how to use your glove to catch balls that are thrown low, which is an important part of catching.

4. Pop-up Drill

The fourth advanced drill you should practice is the pop-up drill. This drill requires you to stand in front of a pitching machine and practice catching pop-up balls. This drill is great for teaching you how to use your glove to catch balls that are thrown high, which is an important part of catching.

5. Quick Hands Drill

The last advanced drill you should practice is the quick hands drill. This drill requires you to stand in front of a pitching machine and practice catching balls with quick hands. This drill is great for teaching you how to react quickly and use your hands to catch balls, which is an important part of catching.

FAQs

What are the best drills for improving baseball catching skills?

The best drills for improving catching skills are pitch reception, narrow angle drills, glove work, blocking balls, catching on the run, backhand drills, glove flip drills, low throws drills, pop-up drills, and quick hands drills.

Are there any drills specifically for beginner catchers?

Yes, the best drills for beginner catchers are pitch reception, narrow angle drills, glove work, and blocking balls. These drills are designed to help beginners learn the basics of catching.

Are there any drills specifically for advanced catchers?

Yes, the best drills for advanced catchers are backhand drills, glove flip drills, low throws drills, pop-up drills, and quick hands drills. These drills are designed to help advanced catchers hone their skills and become more proficient catchers.

What tips can I use to improve my baseball catching skills?

The best tips for improving your baseball catching skills are to practice regularly, keep your glove up, learn proper catching mechanics, and be aware of the game situation. By practicing regularly and following these tips, you can become a better catcher.

Improving your baseball catching skills requires practice and dedication, but with the right drills and tips, you can quickly become a better catcher. The 10 drills outlined above can help you hone your basic and advanced catching skills, and with enough practice, you’ll be ready to take your game to the next level.