How To Practice on Your Own as a Catcher

Have you ever had a coach tell you and the catchers on your team to “go do your own thing?”

It can be a bit difficult to think of self-directed drills and how to execute them alone or without a coach. Luckily, I have plenty of experience doing my “own thing” at practices. Here’s a structure you can follow to make the most of this time, making sure every minute contributes to your growth as a catcher.

So head down to the foul line with the other catchers and follow these steps!

@catchingmadesimple Here’s the unfortunate reality with catchers 🫤 They’re often left to do their own work during practice 🏋🏼 Watch this video to find out EXACTLY what to do when you’re coach sends you off to go work on your own💪🏽 (This is even a great at home routine for catchers if you wanted it to be)🤷🏻‍♂️ #baseball #catchingwork #catchingdrills ♬ All Around the World(La La La) - R3hab / A Touch of Class

1. Check Your Stances

Start by revisiting the fundamentals of your stance. This quick check helps you always start from a solid foundation.

• Sign Stance: Your knees are one “hang loose” distance apart.
• Primary Stance: For no runners on base — lower body shaped like an ‘M’.
• Secondary Stance: For when runners are on base — lower body shaped like a table.
• Single Knee Stance: Useful for certain pitches and comfort.
• Modified Kickstand: An alternative stance for specific scenarios.

If you don’t have these nailed, check out this article on stances or take the free 7 Day Stance Challenge.

2. Receiving Progressions

Enhance your receiving skills with drills that progress from simple to complex. So start on your knees and get to practicing!

• Movement: Work on fluid motion and stability — No ball, just your arm movement.
• Short hops: First on your own, then with a partner, with a med ball, and with a glove
• Tosses: Catch from a partner some underhand tosses
• Throws: Try practicing receiving live throws from a partner.

If you want more help on this, check out 5 tips to catch the high pitch and my 5 best drills to beat the bounce!

3. Blocking Progressions

Next, let’s work on our blocking.

• Stance: Hips back, hands down, make a home plate shape with your arms
• Short hops: Have your partner toss you a short hop ball to block.
• ½ Stance to Block: Transition from a 1/2 stance into a block or lateral block
• Full Stance to Block: Practice blocking and lateral blocking from your full set-up

If you struggle with blocking, try my Blocking Checklist and the Top 5 Blocking Drills for Catchers!

4. Throwing Progressions

Sharpen your throwing mechanics, crucial for controlling the running game.

• Elbows: Keep them up.
• Footwork: Foot stays pointed to the side, not too far ahead. Get that right foot down as you catch.
• Throwing: Hold the stick position — a straight line from your shoulders to your knee.

When you find yourself struggling with throwing, make sure to check out my Top 5 Throwing Drills for Catchers or the 15 minute “Drop Your Pop” Breakdown.

5. Strength and Mobility

Don't overlook the importance of physical conditioning tailored to catching.

• 90/90s: Enhance hip mobility and strength.
• Lunges: Build leg strength for a powerful base.
• Duck Walks: Improve lower body strength and flexibility.

Make sure to check out these mobility exercises for catchers and the 7 Day Stance Challenge!

Catchers! Here’s How To Do Your Own Thing!

Next time your coach lets you manage your own practice, seize the opportunity to enhance your capabilities with these focused drills.

You came in wondering what to do on practice days where the coach tells you, “Catchers, do your own thing!” It can be hard to do self-led drills with your teammates.

Now you know how to structure your practice time with these 5 simple steps to go through.

If you want more help and ideas on how to become better at catching, take a look at these articles:

• Top 5 Blocking Drills for Catchers
• Learn the 3 Types of Catcher Progressions
• Catching Made Simple Varsity Plan