He decreased his pop time by .2-.3 seconds (online training review)
Oct 16, 2024In the world of catching, every fraction of a second counts.
Cody, a high school catcher, and his father, Mike, share their experience with Catching Made Simple, a program designed to refine catching skills and build consistent, daily habits.
Through this journey, they found not just improvement in performance but also a family experience that brought them closer.
Before the Program: Seeking Improvements in Pop Time and Receiving
Cody, now a junior catcher, was struggling with his pop time and receiving skills.
“I didn’t have enough on my throws or the speed to get runners out,” he recalls.
Receiving was another challenge—he often focused too much on his hand and not enough on his entire body, which affected his efficiency.
Cody’s dad, Mike, also shared the initial concerns about online coaching.
They’d only ever worked with private coaches and were uncertain about trying an online program. “There’s so much out there on social media,” Mike says, “We weren’t sure if this would be right for Cody, especially since it was online.”
Discovering Catching Made Simple: From Doubt to Action
Cody discovered Catching Made Simple on Instagram through a joint video with Coach Rac. They’d been following for about a year before deciding to try the program.
Cody’s biggest concern? “I didn’t want to just hear the same general advice,” he explains. He needed specifics and actionable steps that would truly make a difference.
For Mike, the concern was similar: “We’d never tried online coaching before, so it was a jump. We were used to in-person sessions, but we wanted to give Cody the best chance to improve.”
They took the leap, and soon they were introduced to a new way of training that emphasized daily, mindful practice.
Implementing the Program: Breaking Down the Fundamentals
Once they joined, Cody and his family got straight to work. Catching Made Simple starts with fundamentals, breaking down movements step-by-step before introducing the ball.
“I actually enjoyed starting with no ball,” Cody says. “It let me focus on my body movements before throwing or catching, which was a new approach for me.”
This approach not only helped Cody focus on specific aspects of his catching but also made it easier for him to understand the process. It wasn’t just about doing drills; it was about building the right muscle memory and consistency.
The Impact on Confidence and Family Bonding
The daily practice quickly became a family activity. Mike, his wife, and Cody’s older brother joined in, taking turns recording, tossing balls, and catching throws.
“It’s turned into a family affair,” Mike laughs. “We’re all out there every night, and even the family dogs make an appearance in the videos!”
For Mike, seeing the family come together in this way has been incredibly rewarding.
“It’s fantastic. It’s something we can all do together, and it’s been a bonding experience,” he shares.
Cody, meanwhile, has found a new level of confidence.
He’s seen improvements in his pop time, and his throw mechanics have become more efficient.
He even reduced his exchange time by 0.2 to 0.3 seconds—a massive gain for a catcher.
Results: Faster Pop Time and Efficient Movements
Cody’s results speak for themselves. His pop time has decreased by .2 to .3 seconds, and he’s found more ease in receiving. “Now, it feels smoother,” he explains. “I’m not thinking so much—it’s more about doing the movements naturally.”
For Mike, seeing Cody’s improvements in practice and games has been affirming. “His throws are quicker, and I can see his confidence growing. The program really helped him dial in.”
Relief from Stress and Focusing on the Future
Cody’s initial stress about improving his pop time for college recruiting has eased significantly.
While he’s still aiming for a final target, he’s much more relaxed and able to enjoy the process.
“Now, I can focus on what I’m doing without constantly worrying about the future,” he shares.
His dream is to play at a school like Stanford, where academics and athletics are equally valued.
Who Is This Program For?
Cody believes this program is ideal for catchers who are coachable, willing to take feedback, and driven to improve every aspect of their game.
“I came here for pop time, but I’ve seen improvements in all areas,” he says.
For Mike, the program’s daily consistency is a key benefit. “It’s not just about cramming a week’s worth of lessons into one session. This builds habits that stick.”
Advice for Other Parents and Players
For other parents considering the program, Mike wholeheartedly endorses it.
“There’s a lot of good out there, but this is different. The consistency and quick feedback are incredible. I’m impressed by how quickly Anj responds to Cody’s videos and provides specific insights. I think this works for any age.”
Catching Made Simple has helped Cody see the small details that make a big difference in his game, and it’s given him and his family an experience they’ll remember for years.
As Cody continues to train, he’s more prepared than ever to take his game to the next level, wherever that may be.
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