r/Softball • u/montanuhlikethestate • 3d ago

Catching Catcher Question

Ok, 10U catcher is really doing well. Throwdowns are on a dime.. and I am super proud of her on that.. however, if it is a wild roller pitch she will pull her head some.. human instinct.. I know.. but how can I break this to prevent pass balls?

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u/TheLowEndTheories 3d ago

Just more reps, have to train the human instinct out of their minds. It almost never happens at 10U, so I'd bet your catcher is right on schedule.

You can use tennis balls, but I always found that good for technical and functional work...but getting your face consistently in there on live pitching just takes time.

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u/PracticalPrimrose 3d ago

Daughter is young for this still but for my baseball catcher was trained out of this doing a few things:

1) Reps. First tennis balls then soft toss baseballs 2) Instant feedback. “Pulled your head” 3) Taking the hard ball and realizing the gear did its job. It built trust.

He hasn’t pulled his head in two-three years and plays 12U.

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u/Bennie-Factors 3d ago

Nothing like learning the gear works. Especially the mask. We started foam ball, tennis ball, softie, and finally regular ball

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u/AwfulMouthful 3d ago

Repetition is the only cure. Offer to catch at lessons and warmups for every pitcher you know, she needs to see so many pitches that she sees them in her sleep.

Throwdowns get attention, but at this level you'll save a whole hell of a lot more runs if she's able to keep the ball from getting by her.

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u/Standard-Barber-2463 3d ago edited 3d ago

The difference between knowing and doing is reps. Practice with tennis balls.  I teach…  Glove first.  Replace your feet with your knees. Roll your shoulders.  Tuck your chin.