Let the Games Begin

Coaches love competition. Players love competition. It is with this in mind, that we started a Catching Olympics during the last day of fall individuals.

The competition featured 10 events that encompassed a lot of what a catcher may face during a game. I tweeted many of the videos after the event, which I've also posted below.

The Events
Throws to 2nd/3rd
Backpicks to 1st
Block & Recover Throws to 2nd/3rd
Rapid Fire Pop-ups
Fielding Bunts < 4.0 seconds
Tags
Goalie Blocking Drill
Gear Down Race

The Real Deal: Machine Blocking

The final part of this warm-up consisted of blocking mechanics using a machine. Notice Realmuto is blocking with one leg extended instead of a traditional secondary stance. More and more catchers are using this technique but some may be uncomfortable with this technique. I believe a catcher must do what he's comfortable with in the game but while in practice, it is always beneficial for players to get out of their comfort level to make gains as a player.

JT Realmuto Pre-Game Routine, Part IV:

1. One-Leg Blocking off Machine

JT Realmuto warm-up blocking drills off the machine #catchers #catching #Phillies pic.twitter.com/HIYB8AyfQz

— Eric Bunnell (@thecoachscave) August 3, 2019

Part 1: Weighted Receiving
Part II: Machine Receiving
Part III: Machine Throwing

Follow me on Twitter (@thecoachscave) and Instagram (@thecoachscave).

The Real Deal: Throwing Footwork

The third part of this warm-up consisted of throwing footwork off the machine. The video just shows footwork towards second base but Realmuto worked footwork to third as well. We like to work in footwork to first base as well, be it from the knees or on our feet.

Obviously, if you don't have a machine, having a coach or partner feed will work just fine. You can always adjust the distance and have the feeder move closer to simulate higher velocity. Either way, the key is getting your feet down quickly and in line with your target.

JT Realmuto Pre-Game Routine, Part III:

1. Throwing Footwork Drills off Machine

JT Realmuto warm-up footwork drills off the machine #catchers #catching #Phillies pic.twitter.com/uwcarFRXw3

— Eric Bunnell (@thecoachscave) August 3, 2019

Part 1: Weighted Receiving
Part II: Machine Receiving

Follow me on Twitter (@thecoachscave) and Instagram (@thecoachscave).

The Real Deal: Machine Receiving

Yesterday I showed footage of JT Realmuto's pre-game routine. In part one, we saw Realmuto using plyo balls and wrist weights using his bare hand and a small glove. In part two, Realmuto grabs his regular glove and jumps on the machine.

We are fortunate enough to have a machine to use in our daily drills but if you don't have one of your own, you can have the catcher receive throws using wrist weights or you can even shorten the distance between throws giving the catcher less reaction time.

JT Realmuto Pre-Game Routine, Part II:

1. Machine Receiving with Regular Glove

JT Realmuto warm-up receiving drills off the machine #catchers #catching #Phillies pic.twitter.com/uzAqFUIGXw

— Eric Bunnell (@thecoachscave) August 3, 2019

Part I: Weighted Receiving

Follow me on Twitter (@thecoachscave) and Instagram (@thecoachscave).

The Real Deal: Weighted Receiving

This is easily my most popular tweet and all I did was film Phillies catcher JT Realmuto while he went through his pre-game routine in a game this past summer. The routine was pretty simple. Today's post is the first of four parts of the routine. The first part features underhand flips using plyo or weighted balls using a barehand and a small glove while incorporating wrist weights.

Your daily or pre-game routine can vary slightly depending on what equipment you have on hand or how much time you have available but you should find a series of drills that you can do every day. You can watch Realmuto's routine below.

JT Realmuto Pre-Game Routine, Part I:

1. Large Plyo/Weighted Ball Barehand Receiving with Wrist Weights
2. Small Plyo/Weighted Ball Receiving with Small Glove with Wrist Weights
3. Small Plyo/Weighted Ball Receiving with Small Glove

JT Realmuto warm-up receiving drills with plyo balls and wrist weights #catchers #catching #Phillies pic.twitter.com/ocqj34M96H

— Eric Bunnell (@thecoachscave) August 3, 2019

Follow me on Twitter (@thecoachscave) and Instagram (@thecoachscave).

Catchers Helping Catchers

It's time for a site reboot...so for my first post in a while, I'm going to be using a video I took back in the fall during one of our first indy sessions of the new year. We were working on receiving/pitch framing drills and one of our catchers was struggling with a drill (or at least wasn't quite getting it right) and one of his teammates stepped in with some pointers.

That is basically what the new format will consist of...drills and videos to help players and coaches. Posts will feature drills we've done here at YSU, drills I've seen on other sites, or drills I've watched in person. Hope you enjoy!

Catchers helping catchers pic.twitter.com/F1HmOUq5eD

— Eric Bunnell (@thecoachscave) August 29, 2019

Follow me on Twitter (@thecoachscave) and Instagram (@thecoachscave).