Main Takeaways:
- This drill helps the catcher work on controlling/manipulating the strike zone when receiving the pitch: controlling the glove, glove-side elbow, and the lower half, so the ball appears to be in the strike zone—even if it’s not.
- Get in a proper catching position: make sure the legs are relaxed, and the catcher is ready to receive the pitch like it is a game situation. Have them stand and take a few breaths if needed, and then get into position.
- Meet the ball with the glove, focusing on keeping the ball in the zone, and not allowing it to slide, dip off the plate.
- If the ball is off the plate, and the catcher is late, drop the glove-side elbow—which allows a better chance of framing the pitch in the zone.