Case Study: 11u Catcher Becomes a THREAT Behind the Plate
Jan 29, 2024Brian and Isaac are a father-son powerhouse from Pittsburgh. They reached out to book a call with Coach Bougie about CatchCORE after watching his videos on YouTube.
Isaac recently started catching at 10 years old, so Brian started to look on YouTube for some drills to help his son get better.
As they explored various channels and websites, both Brian and Isaac were drawn to Coach Bougie’s teaching style and the clarity of his instruction.
Intrigued by the potential to improve his catching skills, Isaac and Brian decided to reach out and book a call.
Beginning CatchCORE as a 11u Catcher
After a first call where they connected with Coach Bougie, they decided to sign up for CatchCORE. About 2 days after they signed up, they received their tripod and journal in the mail and started doing the daily drills.
One struggle they had during the program was figuring out how to get both his glove (target) and his forearm flat. Because of the angle of his wrist, if his glove was flat, his elbow was down. And if his forearm was flat, his glove was down.
One thing that helped them fix it was they actually put some athletic tape on his glove so they could see the angle in the mirror and in the video!
What Made CatchCORE Different (& Effective)
Brian said the main thing that set this program apart was its incremental approach to learning.
Unlike other catching instruction they had encountered, CatchCORE focused on introducing a few key concepts at a time, allowing Isaac to fully grasp and master each technique before moving on to the next.
The constant review and feedback provided a solid foundation for Isaac's growth, ensuring that even minor errors were addressed promptly.
Isaac's dedication to practice was remarkable. Some days, he would spend up to three hours honing his catching skills, while others were more focused sessions of around 30 minutes. (FYI - CatchCORE can be completed in 10 minutes a day, but some people like to go more!)
Regardless of the duration, Isaac's commitment and passion were unwavering.
After CatchCORE: Remarkable Transformations
One of the most significant changes Isaac experienced was the improvement in his glove positioning and overall stances.
The program emphasized keeping the glove flat and the elbow up, which initially felt uncomfortable for Isaac. However, with the right guidance and the use of a simple tape trick, Isaac quickly adapted and gained confidence in his ability to provide an excellent target for his pitchers.
Brian, observing Isaac's progress, noticed a remarkable difference in his movement patterns and overall positioning.
Previously, Isaac relied heavily on his arm action to reach for the ball, neglecting the importance of body positioning. CatchCORE taught Isaac to move fluidly and efficiently, ensuring that his entire body was engaged in the catching process. This newfound technique elevated Isaac's game to a whole new level.
Journaling - A Powerful Review Tool
One aspect of the program that stood out to both Isaac and Brian was the emphasis on reflection and journaling.
Isaac saw journaling as an opportunity to dig deeper into his practice sessions, analyzing his strengths and areas that needed improvement.
This exercise in thinking and reflecting proved invaluable, as it allowed Isaac to internalize the lessons and reinforce his learning.
Brian, drawing from his own experiences, compared the program to the concept of "chair flying" in pilot training.
Just as pilots mentally rehearse their missions before flying, Isaac mentally rehearsed his catching techniques through journaling.
This practice not only enhanced Isaac's understanding but also prepared him to respond effectively in real-game situations.
Brian’s Biggest Concerns About Online Catching Lessons
Before we started, I didn't have many concerns because I believe that if you want to be the best, you have to invest in quality coaching.
However, I wondered if the program would deliver the value we expected. I was pleasantly surprised by the high production quality of the videos and the interaction we received. Coach Bougie’s day-to-day feedback was crucial in guiding Isaac's progress.
A quote from Brian: “I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their catching skills or any aspect of their game. The results we have seen in Isaac's catching abilities are remarkable. The program has exceeded our expectations, and I believe it is worth every penny and more. Don't settle for average; invest in your growth and unlock your full potential!"
CatchCORE is designed to have an easy entry point into CatchPRO - Get Game Ready, and CatchCRAFT - Nail the Nuances.
Here's another short video of the feedback he gets multiple times a week:
@catchingmadesimple 11u catcher drills - watch this video breakdown and comment what sticks out to you!
♬ som original - AV music
And here’s a recent video of him giving himself a critique, showing how much he now understands about catching and what he needs to do to improve
@catchingmadesimple This 10u catcher knows how to review his own videos. Whats stopping you frok foing this yourself? Nothing! Get out there and record yourself!
♬ Blade Runner 2049 - Synthwave Goose
If you want to learn more about CatchCORE, check out this page.
If you want to learn more from other testimonials or resources, check these out:
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