11U–12U
Catching
All positions
Beginner
Best Receiving Drills for Catchers – Pocket, Short-Hop Low & High Dunk Progression
Home-friendly catcher receiving series emphasizing pocket consistency first, then low-pitch short-hop path, then high-pitch forward dunk mechanics.
- Skill:
- receiving
- Equipment:
- Glove
- Duration:
- About 10 min
- Setting:
- Indoor or outdoor
- Players:
- Partner
Coaching notes
From Catching Made Simple CCC4. Starts with pure pocket catches before any framing or blocking. Low pitches use short hops progressing to air; high pitches use a forward dunk finish flat at the shoulder.
Objectives
Catch consistently in the pocket; master upward path on low pitches; develop downward dunk on high pitches for better framing and control.
Coaching cues
Pocket first always; glove vertical on low then push up with tricep; high pitches glove above elbow push down like a dunk; finish every catch flat at the shoulder; no stabbing or turning the elbow back.
Common errors
Catching in the web; turning elbow back and stabbing; catching high pitches backward; letting low balls bounce before controlling them.
Safety
Start underhand from 5 ft; progress distance slowly.
Setup
Partner or parent, glove, baseballs. Can be done in driveway or garage.
Progressions
Short hops only → air throws → mix high/low → add framing hold.
Variations
Use tennis balls for softer start; one-knee stance variation.
Steps
- 1. Partner 5 ft underhand short hops under the zone; catch in pocket with vertical glove and bring up
- 2. Progress same path to air throws
- 3. High pitches: start glove high, dunk forward/down finishing flat at shoulder
