Are you looking to improve your catching skills? Will Nieves, a 12-year major league catcher, shares three essential framing and receiving drills to help you become a better catcher. These drills focus on proper target presentation, catching the ball in your fingers, and using your thumb effectively.
Key Takeaways and Drills:
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Proper Target: Keep your hand like you’re telling someone to stop, forming an “L” shape to present the pocket of your glove to the pitcher. This allows for easier movement to catch various pitches without risking injury.
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Finger Catching: Focus on catching the ball in your fingers rather than the palm. This ensures consistency in your grip and improves the accuracy of your throws to the bases.
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Thumb Under Drill: Hold a ball with two fingers and ensure your thumb is underneath. This prevents your elbow from going up, which can lead to incorrect calls from umpires. Practice catching the ball softly on your fingertips.
By consistently practicing these drills, you’ll develop better habits, improve your receiving technique, and reduce the risk of thumb injuries.
For more tips on improving your baseball skills, visit BaseballSkillsHub.com.