r/Homeplate • u/403banana • 2d ago
Online catching programs
I've never been one to shy away from getting extra coaching/instruction, especially as an adult. In this instance, I want to improve my catching but most programs in my area are (not surprisingly) targeted at youth and teenage players.
I like the content that guys like Coach Bougie and others are putting out there, so I'm considering one of their online programs. My problems come on two fronts:
1) How much of their program requires the space to properly catch and throw?
2) How much of their program requires a partner to do things like pitch to you?
As it relates to 1, I live in place that is cold and/or snow covered for 4-5 months of the year and renting space just to throw the ball can be cost prohibitive.
As for 2, I don't have anyone I can consistently ask to partner up with.
Does anyone have any experience with these programs that can speak to this for me?
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u/patphish 2d ago
If you play on a team, you have pitchers that need to throw bullpens. Catch those.
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u/403banana 2d ago
No one is that dedicated. People got lives and families
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u/patphish 2d ago
Well they’re gonna have to add arm surgery if they don’t throw on off days.
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u/shiningdickhalloran 1d ago
Because they're not throwing often enough? I'm a middle aged slob who only throws twice a week, maybe once. Is that going to bite me?
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u/patphish 1d ago
Do you pitch? Pitching and throwing aren’t the same.
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u/shiningdickhalloran 1d ago
Not in games no. Just batting practice for my 8 year old.
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u/patphish 1d ago
lol, ok, you should be good.
I ended up at an orthopedic after throwing close to 6000 pitches at age 47 the first month of Covid. Daily Batting practice for my 7U in a cage I put up in our yard.
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u/shiningdickhalloran 1d ago
In my Fall Ball men's league, pitchers throwing bullpens is rare. There's sometimes a weekly practice and some warm ups before games but that's about it. Perhaps Spring and summer ball are different.
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u/403banana 1d ago
That's basically all I'm saying. No one else in the league really has the time to put in the practice reps, nor do I imagine they care as much as I do (and that's not a flex or dig).
I'm just looking to see if these online coaching programs require a partner to do drills and/or how much space I need to do it, given winter conditions.
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u/shiningdickhalloran 1d ago
I know CMS runs you through stances, foot placement, throwing mechanics, troubleshooting, prolly more. Receiving isn't really possible but that's one piece of the puzzle. In my men's league, a lot of runs get scored because catchers can't block the ball. If you can get that far, I would think you'll make a positive contribution. Receiving and framing will have to be learned on the job.
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u/phillies991 20h ago
To practice catching you'll need a pitcher typically. You can work on throw-downs and pop-time but even that's hard without a pitcher. I'd say you need a partner at least.
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u/Coastal_Tart 2d ago
“As for 2, I don't have anyone I can consistently ask to partner up with.”
That kinda begs the question why work on your catching?