What are some tips for a catcher on a play at the plate? Learn tips as a catcher for blocking the plate. With so many great athletes making so many spectacular plays all game long, it's not hard to overlook...
With so many great athletes making so many spectacular plays all game long, it's not hard to overlook the small but important details that go on during a baseball game.
The scoops that a first baseman makes on errand throws to complete the out, the ability of a second baseman to finish a double play and avoid the runner barreling down on him and a third base perfect playing a rocket-shot at the hot corner to record a big out are all common plays that are easily overlooked.
The scoops that a first baseman makes on errand throws to complete the out, the ability of a second baseman to finish a double play and avoid the runner barreling down on him and a third base perfect playing a rocket-shot at the hot corner to record a big out are all common plays that are easily overlooked.
But one of the biggest plays in a game that may not get as much glory as it deserves is probably the play at the plate.
The play at the plate is so important because if that first baseman misses that throw, or that second baseman doesn't turn that double play or that third baseman bobbles that line drive, there is still opportunity to keep the team from scoring.
But if a catcher misses plays a play at the plate, there's no doubt that the opposing team will score a run, a run that could mean the difference between winning and losing the game.
As exciting and exhilarating as the play at the plate is for bystanders, it can be very dangerous for the parties involved, especially the catcher.
Perry Roth is the assistant coach of the Birmingham Southern College Panthers. In his second stint with the Panthers, Roth is responsible for catchers and hitting instruction. In his career, Roth has coached at BSC (two different occasions), Bradley, Illinois St., Springfield Calvary Academy and his alma mater, Greenville College.
Roth said that if the catcher is in a good solid position when the baseball arrives to the plate, he has a much better opportunity of making the play as well as keeping himself safe.
"I would just stay low and be an athlete," Roth said. "It also helps them to catch the ball. Make sure that left foot is pointed towards third base."
The very first thing that the catcher should be aware of on a play at the plate is being sure to catch the baseball. Catching the baseball cleanly can allow the catcher to put himself in a position to both get the out and stay out of harm's way.
As a fielder, you want to try to give your catcher a good throw to handle. From the infield, a baseball thrown to his chest is best. From the outfield, most catchers will tell you that a baseball thrown with a long hop at the end is the easiest throw to handle.
No matter how you make the throw, to better help your catcher out, be sure not to put the catcher in a vulnerable position. Vulnerable positions include trying to catch a baseball up the third baseline and attempting to make a leap to snag a throw.
Now, for the catchers, rules at every level other than professional say that the runner must attempt to slide to home plate. Knowing that the runner must attempt a slide to the plate will reduce the amount of collisions at the plate and allow the catcher a more solid base to make the play.
When at all possible, the catcher should block the plate with his left foot just out in front on the third baseline. Of course, not all throws will allow the catcher to set up in this position, but ideally, this is how the catcher would want to block the plate.
It's also important to apply the tag with both hands Roth added.
"A two-hand tag is better to handle the ball," he said. "And the mask should be left on in case there is a collision at the plate."
