Prepare every pitch
Before the pitch, check runners, outs and the next possible play. Give the pitcher a clear target while staying ready to move; after a miss, reset and communicate calmly.
Learn first
Learn the skill
Read these ideas, then try the situations below. Practice with a coach when a movement is new.
Quiz Mode: try each answer before checking the explanation.
Coach View: use the answers and teaching notes to guide practice.
Block a ball in the dirt
Move your body behind the ball, lower your center of gravity and try to keep the ball close. Find it before reaching for it; a rushed throw while the ball is loose can turn one base into more.
See example: Receiving and blocking setup
Receive and transfer
Receive the pitch under control. If a runner moves, locate the ball, set your feet toward a clear throwing lane, and make a throw only when the target and timing make sense.
Protect the plate
On a throw home, show the fielder a clear target while leaving a safe path for the runner unless you possess the ball and the rules permit the position. Catch the ball before applying a controlled tag. A late throw may be safer to hold than to chase across the runner's path.
Uncaught third strike
In Minor League AA and AAA, strike three puts the batter out whether the catcher holds the ball or not. Keep the ball controlled and check the other runners; the batter cannot run to first on an uncaught third strike.
Change roles safely
The adult scorekeeper tracks both catching innings and pitching history. Tell the adult about pain or fatigue; never use a completed checklist as medical clearance.
Practice it here
In full catcher gear, block three soft coach-fed balls while an adult checks spacing. Find each ball before standing, then show the pitcher a clear target.
Situation 01
Confirm the situation before receiving
AA catchers confirm the count, whether player or coach pitching is active, and whether midseason stealing has begun.
- 1 Pitcher
- 2 Catcher
- 3 First base
- 4 Second base
- 5 Third base
- 6 Shortstop
- 7 Left field
- 8 Center field
- 9 Right field
Coach answer: Confirm the count, permitted runner action and receiving target Check the count, runners, pitch plan and covered throw target before the pitch. A late or unseen sign leaves teammates guessing.
Coaching Points
Make the adult instructions clear before adding a moving runner.
Common Mistakes
A familiar catching drill can have the wrong runner timing.
Alternative Considerations
Use an agreed reset request if a sign or rule is unclear.
Related rule or safety source: Leaving a base Leaving a base
Situation 02
Keep a blocked ball nearby
At a controlled receiving station, the coach introduces a low ball after checking protective gear and spacing. The catcher works on keeping the ball in front rather than stabbing at it.
Coach answer: Wait for controlled blocking and a safe recovery Keep the blocked ball close and recover under control before adding speed, a throw or a runner.
Coaching Points
Introduce movement only after comfortable stationary repetitions.
Common Mistakes
A drill is not improved by overwhelming a player with speed.
Alternative Considerations
Return to dry footwork if control breaks down. AA games and practices use the league-provided RIFF 5 ball.
Related rule or safety source: Eligibility
Situation 03
Know when the batter is already out
First is occupied with one out. A player-pitched third strike gets away from the AA catcher.
Coach answer: No; the batter is out in this situation In Minor League AA, strike three puts the batter out whether the catcher holds the ball or not.
Coaching Points
Recover the ball and check the actual outs and runner situation; do not invent a force involving a batter who is already out.
Common Mistakes
Do not copy an Intermediate uncaught-third-strike answer into this setup.
Alternative Considerations
The national Minor League rule makes the batter out on strike three whether caught or not.
Related rule or safety source: Third Strike
Situation 04
Choose a legal runner play
After midseason in AA, a runner legally steals second. A receiver is in place.
Coach answer: Receive, find the target and make a controlled transfer Receive, find a clear target, set your feet and throw under control. A hurried throw can give away another base.
Coaching Points
A deliberate choice and controlled throw matter more than a stopwatch.
Common Mistakes
An AA steal overthrow does not allow another base.
Alternative Considerations
Begin without a live tag; the adult controls spacing and throwing load.
Related rule or safety source: Leaving a base Leaving a base
Situation 05
Speak up before changing roles
You caught a live pitch in four innings of the same game. Your coach asks whether you can pitch now. The adult game record says a player who catches four innings in one game cannot pitch that day.
Coach answer: I caught in four innings; please use me somewhere other than pitcher today Tell the coach about every inning caught before a pitching assignment. Four catching innings in one game bars pitching later that day under Little League rules; PONY uses its own rule.
Coaching Points
Track catching innings and pitch counts on the adult game record.
Common Mistakes
Even one live pitch caught in an inning counts as an inning caught.
Alternative Considerations
A legal role change can still be too much throwing; consider comfort and workload.
Related rule or safety source: Pitching limits Safety
Situation 06
Report the whole throwing day
You caught earlier, then pitched, and now want to catch again. The coach keeps the official pitching and catching record.
Coach answer: Tell the coach every role and wait for the official eligibility check Tell the coach every catching and pitching role, then wait for the adult to check the official record before changing again.
Coaching Points
Regulation VI has a 20-pitch threshold for the return-to-catcher sequence and a separate 40-pitch rule.
Common Mistakes
Confusing these thresholds can make an ineligible catcher appear eligible.
Alternative Considerations
Keep the numbers in the official record, not in personal notes on this training page.
Related rule or safety source: Pitching limits
Finish line
You reached the end of Lesson 3 of 8: Catcher's Command Center
Go on to lesson 4, or return to the AA Dugout. Review any part from the Sections menu.
Connect learning and practice
Practice this skill
Rehearse controlled receiving and footwork with the complete gear and adult setup.
Read the complete setup, equipment and stop instructions before activity. A missed question never prescribes extra throwing.