Catcher Drill – Dominate Pop Ups Behind Plate

Short Summary

1. The video discusses the challenges catchers face when handling pop-ups, particularly those hit behind them.
2. It emphasizes understanding the physics of a baseball, specifically how backspin affects its trajectory.
3. Right-handed hitters typically foul balls to the catcher’s right, while left-handed hitters foul to the left.
4. Catchers are advised to instinctively open up toward the side where the ball is likely to go.
5. Pop-ups can have different trajectories; some may go directly above the plate, while others may circle back toward the infield.
6. Catchers need to be aware of the ball’s angle to determine whether to move in front of the plate or stay in position.
7. Upon recognizing a pop-up, catchers should clear their masks, turn to locate the ball, and avoid overrunning it.
8. They should catch the ball with both hands in front of their face and then prepare to respond to any base runners.
9. To improve pop-up catching skills, the video suggests drills such as using a tennis racket and wiffle ball for practice.
10. The most realistic practice involves hitting fungos to catchers from various heights and angles.