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Lead the pre-pitch conversation

Before getting into position, the catcher checks outs, runners and the pitch plan. An infielder confirms coverage for a possible steal.

What belongs in this check?

Pitch plan and who receives a throwOnly the hitter's bat colorThe previous inning's argumentA new secret sign nobody has learned

Mark masteredMark for review

My practice notes (no personal details)

Coaching Points

Keep signs simple and confirm that the pitcher can see them.

Common Mistakes

Changing a sign without telling the team creates preventable confusion.

Alternative Considerations

Agree a reset signal for any uncertainty; do not guess at a pitch.

Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.

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.

What should determine the next progression?

The number of spectatorsHow loudly the ball hits the gearHow many fast throws can be squeezed inControlled position and a safe recovery

Mark masteredMark for review

My practice notes (no personal details)

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 a softer ball or dry footwork if control breaks down.

Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.

Finish the third strike play

There are two outs and first base is occupied. The catcher does not catch strike three.

May the batter try to reach first?

No, occupied first always prevents itNo, all strikeouts end playYes; with two outs, occupied first does not prevent the attemptFirst base is automatically awarded

Mark masteredMark for review

My practice notes (no personal details)

Coaching Points

Recover the ball, identify the available play and communicate. Permission to try is not an award.

Common Mistakes

The occupancy exception changes with the number of outs.

Alternative Considerations

With first occupied and fewer than two outs, the batter is out on the uncaught third strike.

Rules/safety: third

Choose a throw, not a panic

A runner breaks for second. The catcher receives the ball, finds the target and makes a controlled transfer before throwing.

What is the best practice goal?

Throw before holding the ball securelyAim wherever the runner is nowA repeatable receive-transfer-target sequenceAlways throw even when no fielder covers

Mark masteredMark for review

My practice notes (no personal details)

Coaching Points

Reward a clean sequence and sound choice, not just a stopwatch result.

Common Mistakes

A rushed throw with no target can create an extra base.

Alternative Considerations

First-and-third situations need a separate team call agreed before the pitch.

Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.

Separate workload advice from eligibility

A player has been catching and asks to pitch. The adult checks PONY eligibility and the full throwing workload rather than importing another program's catcher restriction.

Which distinction is sound?

A PONY jersey eliminates fatigueCheck PONY rules separately from ASMI's advice against pitcher/catcher combinationCatching creates a fresh pitch allowanceLittle League's four-inning restriction automatically governs PONY

Mark masteredMark for review

My practice notes (no personal details)

Coaching Points

ASMI warns that combining pitching and catching adds throwing load. The coach can choose a more conservative plan.

Common Mistakes

Do not turn safety guidance into an invented national eligibility penalty.

Alternative Considerations

Written local rules may be stricter; verify them before assigning roles. This page is not an actual pitch log.

Rules/safety: pitch-limit safety

Protect a tired throwing arm

The catcher's throws become less accurate and the player reports fatigue during a practice.

What should the adult do?

Add maximum-effort throwsIgnore it if the game count is lowMove the player straight to pitching for restStop the throwing work and reassess the plan

Mark masteredMark for review

My practice notes (no personal details)

Coaching Points

Make it easy to report discomfort. Pain requires stopping pitching and appropriate medical evaluation.

Common Mistakes

Changing defensive labels does not remove the work already done.

Alternative Considerations

Use a non-throwing learning role while the adult adjusts activity.

Rules/safety: safety