April 15, NLCA’12.Pop times

Click the link above to view pop time charts for this session.

We had tremendous progress made for a few of our committed Catcher’s in terms of Pop times.  We also now have a group of Catcher’s who have already experience the jump in improvement on their Pop times, and are now in the consistency phase of their training.   We look forward for our newcomers, as they learn the techniques and skills that will help them develop in the coming months.

In these sessions we focused quite a bit on throwing to third base, but more importantly on using our feet to clear the batter for a good throwing lane.  This being a critical base to throw too, we need to ensure a clear throwing lane, so that we (Catcher’s) maintain good throwing technique in order for us to make an accurate throw.  An errant throw in this situation, can easily lead to a run for the opposing team, and clearing the hitter with decisiveness is crucial in this matter.

We also implemented a new drill for us called “Game-Savers.”  This drill using the swiftness of sticking the low, borderline curveball for a called strike, and combining it with the reactions of blocking in a 2 strike (runner on third) situation.   The Catcher’s really had to step to the challenge as the curveball was a hard 70 mph curve

Thanks to all who joined us for these sessions, and  we look forward to continuing our practice with you who are able to attend.   The art of catching will never be built overnight.  Continue to work, and do share with others, the challenges and joys we experience together at our catching sessions.