The catcher is responsible in most cases for calling plays in bunt situations as well as first and third situations. Before the pitcher steps on the rubber, get the play from your coach. Step out in front of home plate so your teammates can see and give the correct signals. The signals can be verbal, a series of signs (hand or body), or both. The purpose is to disguise the defensive play and put pressure on the offense to execute.

Bunts/Coverage

In bunt situations, the catcher is the eyes of the defense and the decision maker because the play is happening in front of him. The catcher's job is to signal the play to the infielders and communicate while the play is unfolding. The fielders need to know if the third baseman is crashing or holding? Is the first baseman crashing or holding? What side does the pitcher cover? These plays should be worked out in practice. Everyone on the field should know what play is on and their responsibilities. The catcher must be decisive and communicate loud enough for his teammates to hear.

On a properly executed bunt, your only play will be to first base. However, if the bunt is too hard or right at the pitcher, and depending on how quickly your teammate fields it, you may have a play on the lead runner. Take into account whether or not the play is a force out. If it's not a force, get the out a first. Stay out of the big inning. However, if the play is a force, the bunt was hard, and fielded cleanly, don't be afraid to get that lead runner. Make the call early and loud. Keep repeating the call until the play is made. If the fielder bobbles the ball, the play is at first. The fielder should know ahead of time to go to first on a bobble.

Be ready to react to a poorly bunted ball in front of the plate. You may be able to get the lead runner if you're quick. If you feel the play will be too close, take the out at first. Stay out of the big inning. Remember to clear the runner before throwing to first. *See the section on throwing for more info.

A situation may arise where the opposing team is trying to bunt a runner on first to second base. Cover third if your third baseman fields the ball. Depending on your coach's philosophy, the pitcher may cover instead. I don't like a pitcher covering any base, as there is a potential for injury on a close play. So, unless your coach tells you not to cover third, get there as soon as the third baseman communicates he is making the play on the bunt. Back

Squeeze Plays

A squeeze play is a unique play during a game where the runner from third scores on a bunt by the batter. There are two main kinds of squeeze plays, the suicide and safety squeeze. The suicide squeeze gets its name because the runner breaks from third at the start of the pitcher's windup or on first movement in the stretch. If the batter fails to make contact with the pitch, the runner is dead at home, hence the suicide squeeze. A safety squeeze relies on the runner's ability to anticipate and read a successful bunt and then attempt to score.

A safety squeeze is difficult to combat and your only chance to get the runner at the plate is if your corner defense is up, the pitcher is a great athlete, the batter's bunt is poor, or the pitcher reads the break. If the batter executes correctly, make the play at first and get an out.

The suicide play is easier to detect because the runner from third gives away the play. If the pitcher doesn't see the runner break or hear his teammates' communication, then the best you can hope for is the batter to miss or pop up the pitch. If the pitcher does see the suicide attempt, he should throw the pitch up and in on a right-handed hitter or in the right-handed batters box. Even if you are set up away, expect the pitch up and in (to a right-hander). The purpose is to make the pitch impossible to bunt. Most players won't stand there and let the ball hit them in the head. One of two things will probably happen if the pitch is in the right location, the batter gets out of the way and the runner is dead at home or the batter attempts to bunt the pitch and is unsuccessful.

If the hitter misses the pitch, catch the ball and run at the base runner. Make the tag or start a run down. Remember, to chase him back toward third. If the attempt is successful, get the out at first. Back

Run Downs

A correctly executed rundown should take no more than two throws once the rundown begins. A catcher is at a disadvantage during a rundown because of his shin guards. Here are guidelines for rundowns.

Never run a player toward the next base. Always force him back to the base he came from.
Stand to your teammate's throwing side and never directly behind the runner. This provides a clear throwing lane.
If your teammate running at you is right handed, stand to the left of the runner, so your teammate doesn't have to throw across the runner.
As the runner approaches, use a one word verbal command like "now" and step toward the runner as you say it. Your momentum should be moving toward the runner as you say the command.
The ball should be delivered by your teammate on that command.
Catch the ball with both hands and immediately remove the ball with your bare hand.
Show the ball above your head and run at the runner. The ball should be in a position where you can throw it at a moments notice.
Stay to the right side so you have a clear throwing lane if you need to make another throw.
DO NOT pump fake. Many times this will fake out your teammates as well.
Run hard at the runner and apply the tag or wait for a "now" command from your teammate.
Give up the ball when you hear the command. Throw the ball to your teammates chest.
Peel off out of the baseline. This way you will not interfere with the runner.
Be in position at the other bag if the rundown continues.

If another runner occupies the base where the base runner came from (for example: a runner occupies 3rd base and you have a runner caught between home and 3rd), run him back to the base and tag both runners. The runner that was in the run down is out. The other runner is safe, but you might get him to step off the base. Back

Pick Offs - pitcher

Pickoff plays vary from team to team and coach to coach. Some plays involve only the fielders and pitcher. Other plays depend on the catcher for the attempt to be successful. The most common pickoff plays are to second base. One of the more popular plays is the blind pickoff. This pickoff gets it's name from the fact that the pitcher is not watching the play and relies on the catcher to signal when to turn and throw.

On the blind pickoff play, the fielder (usually the shortstop) will signal the play to the catcher. Maybe they notice the runner is not paying attention or is getting too big a lead. The catcher must then notify the fielder or confirm the play using a subtle signal. Now, signal the pitcher that the play is on. The pitcher must go through his usual routine so the play is not tipped off to the other team. The pitcher should then be looking at the plate and not paying any attention to the runner. This is a timing play and the catcher must read the middle infielder breaking for second. At the correct moment, signal the pitcher to turn and fire to second. The signal can be anything you want. We usually use a glove signal (dropping from the receiving position). The blind pickoff relies on the catcher's timing of the fielder reaching second base for a successful attempt. Back

Pass Balls/Wild Pitches

Even the best catchers have mental and physical breakdowns from time to time. You will have a pitch in the dirt that you won't be able to block. It may take a bad hop or you just misplay it. If the ball gets away from you with runners on base or on a dropped third strike, you need to find it and get to it as quickly as possible. Do not turn around and run straight back; you will run into the umpire. Peel off to the left or right depending on the side the ball kicks to.

As you approach the ball, slide into position with your throwing leg out in front so you can quickly stand and plant this foot. Reach for the ball with your bare hand or the glove and hand scoop if space permits. For a play at the plate, you will have to turn and fire the ball to the pitcher who is covering home. You should have an idea of where home plate is even with your back to the field. Field the ball, wheel, and throw in one motion. For a play at first base, slide into position, get to your feet, then shuffle and throw to first. If you're playing on a field with a large area between the backstop and the plate and the ball gets to the backstop, you will not have a play at first. On fields with shorter distance backstops and on plays where the pitch bounces away from you, but does not reach the backstop, you should be able to slide, stand, and throw to first for the out. Remember to get on the wild pitch as quickly as possible. Back

Pop Ups/Fouls

Situation: a batter hits a popup around the home plate area.

Solution: immediately stand up, remove your mask, and locate the ball. Make sure to keep the mask in you throwing hand so you do not trip over it. Turn your back to the infield, as this makes it easier to field the popup. The physics of a popup dictate that the ball will always come back toward the field of play. Do not stand directly under the popup or it will land behind you. Stand so it looks like the ball will land a few yards in front of you. Read and react to the ball. It is easier to move forward on a ball than to backpedal. Once you are set, discard your mask by throwing it hard and to the right. Make sure it is far enough away as to not interfere with the play. Using both hands, catch the ball above your head. If there are runners on base, quickly turn and find them. Back

Double Steals

There are two common situations where an opposing team might try to double steal. The first situation is with runners on first and second. The catcher has the option of throwing to either base. Know your base runners and the situation. Ideally, you want to get the lead runner at third. However, there are some advantages to throwing through to second for the trailing runner. First, he might not run as hard if he thinks the play is on the lead runner. Second, trailing runners will not have as good a jump. Third, you do not have to worry about throwing around a right-handed hitter.

The other situation where a double steal is most likely to occur is with a runner on first and third base. The offense as well as the defense has a lot of options. The offense may try and score the runner from third on a throw through to second. The defense, knowing this may try and cut down that runner at the plate or allow the throw through to second, get an out, and give up the run. Your coach should make the decision as to how to defend this situation.

Your main options as a catcher:

Back

Dropped Third Strike

A dropped third strike is really two different events. The first event is exactly as the title says; the catcher drops a third strike that was either a called strike or the batter swung and missed. The other event that can be considered a dropped third strike is on a ball that bounces in the dirt and the hitter swings and misses. The catcher must block this pitch so the hitter does not advance to first.

If either event takes place and first base is UNOCCUPIED, the hitter may advance to first. If first base is occupied with less than two outs, the hitter is out. However, be ready to make a play on the other base runners. The exception is with two outs. The hitter and all base runners may advance. As a catcher, you must either tag the runner before he runs or throw to first for the force out. Always try and tag the runner before you attempt to throw to first. Make sure you clear the runner to the left or right before you throw. Do not try and throw over the runner. In the rare situation with the bases loaded, two outs, and a dropped third strike, you may also tag home because there is a force out at every base. See the section on throwing for more info. Back

Intentional Walks

Throughout the course of a game, your coach may decide to intentionally walk a hitter. This is done for a number of reasons. Instead of squatting in your ready stance, stand up in the catcher's box. Depending on whether the hitter is in the left or right batters box, put out your opposite arm out to the side of your body. Be ready to move to the box you were pointing to. You do not have to give a sign other than extending your arm. The pitcher should know what is expected of him. As soon as the pitcher releases the ball, slide out to the side. The pitcher should deliver the pitch chest high and in the middle to outside of the opposite batters box (the box where you're at). The pitch should be far enough outside that the batter does not have a chance of hitting it. Catch the ball using both hands and return it to the pitcher. Repeat this process three more times. Back

Game Pace

It is the job of the catcher to influence the pace of the game. Ideally, you want your pitcher to work quickly and throw as few pitches as possible. Some pitchers prefer to work slowly; you should know this ahead of time. If your pitcher is throwing well and hitting his spots, keep the game moving. Call your pitches as soon as the hitter steps in the box. If your pitcher is struggling, slow the pace down. Let him catch his breath and maybe call time and go have a talk with him. Help him build his confidence and get back into a rhythm. Back

Stealing Home

This is a rare situation that you might never see in a game. When it does happen, the pitcher will be in the wind up and the runner will break on first movement by the pitcher. As the catcher, you will probably not see the runner break especially with a right-handed hitter at the plate. Listen to your teammates, they should be yelling. Receive the ball and quickly move to the left side of the plate, leading with your glove. Find the runner and apply the tag. Back

Catching 101
OnBaseball.com