Class Instruction: 4 Week Class ($100)
The target class size is only 5 students. This 4 week course is taught by one of our DREAM Team Baseball Staff Coaches.
New 4 week session start at the beginning of each month.
Pre-pitch(Week 1)
Getting into position (glove, target, & get comfortable in primary/secondary stance) for the pitch.
PRIMARY STANCE
Using your primary stance allows you to get set comfortably while preparing pre-pitch. It's important to stay low and give your pitcher an easy-to-see glove target. Start in a relaxed position with your legs slightly wider than your shoulders and toes angled out, allowing your hips to be open. Also, your mitt should be in the center of your body, away from your chest. Pro Tip: Be sure to have your mitt at about the same height as the batter’s knees, which are at the bottom of the hitting zone which will also help you with a low starting position as you work up through receiving the pitch. Keep your throwing hand down at your side behind your leg when the pitch is delivered to avoid being hit with a foul ball.
SECONDARY STANCE
When there are two outs or runners on base, you will switch to using your secondary stance. Position your feet wider than in the primary stance. Hold yourself a few inches higher off the ground to give yourself more mobility when it comes time to make a throw or play on the ball. Angle your chest slightly to the plate so you can receive lower pitches while maintaining your balance. It will also help with blocking errant pitches in the dirt.
Similar to the primary stance, maintain a low target for your pitcher with the mitt at the batter’s knee-height, away from your chest, and keep your throwing hand tucked behind your leg.
Pitch type signs (Week 1)
How to receive (from coach) & give pitch signs to the pitch. Communicating to pitcher and learning pitch calling.
- Learning which pitches your pitcher can throw. Every pitcher is different.
- Understanding how to clearly signal the pitch type to the pitcher without the other team stealing your signs.
- Knowing how to call pitch type and (advanced) pitch location.
- How to shake off the previous signs & get on the same page with the pitcher.
Receiving (Week 2)
- Not being afraid of the ball
- Stance is balanced
- Showing target (glove)
- Clockwork drill
- Timing mechanic (wait until the ball is ready to receive & working up to the ball) (advanced players)
- Throwing hand upon transfer
- Upon catching the ball, flip the glove (older group)
- Good transfer & throw from the ear
Blocking balls & Passed Balls (Week 3)
- Turn glove over and throwing hand goes behind glove (stay compact and lean instead of getting too tall)
- Ball strikes your chest protector & come up ready to fire (have bounce and attack the ball)
- Get into a throwing position, don’t hesitate, and throw down
- With a passed ball, flip off mask & slide into the ball and “claw” the ball to grab it
throwing (Week 4)
- Throwing from the ear
- Push off the back foot
- Snap throw & hops are ok (don’t have to throw on the fly)
- Small target to runner side of the bag
- When throwing to 1B & 3B, have to work around batter
Sign up now while there's room!
All you have to do is click below and purchase the Catchers Class in the DREAM Team EZ Facility software!