Catcher Framing — Low Strike
CatchingFull field10 minAges 9-12, 13-152-2 playersIntensity: lightPitch Smart OKAdult supervision
20 low pitches, catcher works the bottom-of-zone receive.
Your job today
20 low pitches. You receive quietly with your thumb up. Don’t pull the ball up — present it, hold it, give the ump a beat.
What good looks like: 14 of 20 caught quiet, no glove pull.
Why it matters: Umpires reward catchers who don’t move. Steal a few low strikes a game and you save your pitcher’s arm.
How it works
Coach throws 20 pitches at the bottom of the strike zone. Catcher receives quietly with thumb up and slight upward presentation. Filmed for self-review.
- Reps / rounds
- 20 catches
- Rest between sets
- 0s
- Space needed
- 60ft lane
- Coaches
- 1
Equipment
- catcher gear
- 10 baseballs
Setup
- Catcher in primary stance
- Coach 30-45ft away
Run the drill
- Coach throws low strikes
- Catcher receives quietly, holds 1 second
Coaching cues
- Thumb up
- Quiet body, present the ball, don’t pull
Common mistakes
- Pulling the glove up after the catch
- Stabbing at the ball
Scoring
Track % clean receives (percent). On-track when at or above 70.
Adjust it
Make it easier
- easier: Front-toss tempo
Make it harder
- advanced: Live pitcher
Variations
- Corners: 10 each at low-arm-side and low-glove-side
Safety
- STOP_ON_PAIN: Distinguish acceptable muscle soreness from joint pain or severe muscle ache. Any pain, pop, or possible injury must be reported to a parent, coach, or trusted adult, and the activity stopped immediately. Any sign of illness or injury must be evaluated before returning.
Source
Author: platform · Status: Published · Last reviewed 2026-05-26