@@christopherdebbane4472 I caught much better only gave up one or two passed balls, and I have horrible knees and this helped with that!!! Only problem was in the 9th it was a tie game and we had no more pitchers so I had to pitch. And I hit four batters and we lost lol:(. But I had a good time and played good so I can’t be to mad.
Good luck on developing your craft behind the plate. I was a backstop for a lot of my career. I loved it, but it was really rough some days. A broken thumb, a concussion, and three foul balls to the throat are the injuries I remember.
Great video. Hopefully many youth coaches see this video. My son always gets yelled at when he uses the knee down technique. Coaches don’t get it until we talk to them about the advantages, specifically not fatiguing as quickly and being able to frame that low pitch.
Youth players shouldn’t be doing it IMO. Catchers are just learning the position and need to perfect receiving the ball in primary and secondary stances. Blocking is just more important than framing. Youth pitchers don’t consistently hit the chalk of the zone that consistently either. Finally, the catcher’s armor protects them on the squat on a foul ball. Kids will catch one to the quad and get hurt
Good glove work allows you to frame a low pitch... not 1 knee down... this is costing teams everyday in the mlb... I still can't understand it, its ridiculous. I actually have a bunch of videos saved that I show my catchers on how one know down limits your lateral range.
@@steveo3530 hey steve, i am a junior in high school and catching is a very “style based” position, i use OKD and traditional, whenever no one is on base and there is less than two strikes, there is no huge benefit to stopping balls bounced or thrown way out of the zone, getting to that low pitch is more important, you still want to stop those balls as you do t want to frustrate the umpire, catching stances are all about pros and cons, the Big league guys can catch from a one knee when people are on base because their pitchers won’t yank one allowing there pros “ of always getting the low pitch” out weighs the facts that they might have to once in a while get out and block that ball, they are big league caliber players and have weighed out those pros and cons, now for me, pitchers in high school and high level travel are really good, but have no where near the accuracy as pro guys, i have weighed out my pros and cons and still catch from one knee down, but only when there are no runners on base, and there is less than two strikes, for drop third strikes, and as for injury to the top of your knee, my shin guards are good enough (all star shin gaurds) to where my knee won’t get hit, and if my thigh gets hit, it has meat on it and it might sting a bit, but it will just be a bruise and will not limit my performance, therefore not being a con i worry two much about.
The one knee method removes an entire leg guard of protection and opens up the thigh/groin to potential foul balls and backswings. Always been the primary reasoning to stay on your feet when I was growing up to keep the protective gear protecting. Certainly pros and cons to each method as you clearly state. Nice video.
Thank you. I've been looking for anyone in the comment section with this concern. This reasoning is what's holding me back from converting to one knee down.
True, it opens up more flesh, but the top of knee and the thigh are the most vulnerable spots on the catcher anyway. You're going to get hit there, no matter what. You're going to get hit with a foul ball in the cup. There's no way to avoid it. It's just part of the pounding you take as a catcher. But it's not like it's going to be happening every inning. You'll also still have the glove in front of the knee you put down to offer some protection. That's part of how you decide which knee to put down, ie which side of the plate the hitter is on and where you're going with the pitch. When I started catching 45+ years ago, this method would have been frowned upon and you'd be viewed as lazy. But there's definitely some strategy to it. The trend I don't like is when the catcher is in a traditional stance, but drops to a knee upon receiving every pitch. I see this on nearly every pitch in high school and college these days. I realize it's because you don't want a ball to get by you, but you have to be able to drop and block from a standard 2-ft position. Dropping upon receiving the pitch creates too much movement, and it puts you in a bad position to field or throw. You have to get over that.
@@mph7282 True there always is that risk in catching. After I got caught in the groin with a couple foul tips, I realized why Pro catchers used to close their knees together just before receiving the pitch. This was in the 70's. Nothing has changed as far as getting hurt as a catcher. I also used to keep my throwing hand back away from my glove by my side after a very painful thumb hang nail from a foul tip (this is where the foul tip hits your thumb and separates your nail from your thumb for an instant causing instant swelling twice the size of my thumb). This was also a tip I received from watching MLB catchers who had likely been hurt on their throwing hand in the past.
@@davidursini4740 Funny, the 1-handed catching technique, with the throwing hand tucked behind your body, was once considered the wrong way and the ruin of catchers everywhere. That's been the predominant style for 50 years now, but no doubt there's some old-timers out there still complaining about not using two hands.
@@mph7282 - Nice comment. In the "old" days, using those pancake catcher mitts made it necessary to position the throwing hand under the mitt with the hand's palm at @ 45 degrees or more and fingers facing downward, so if the deflected pitch contacted that hand, the injury, if any, would be slight. Been there, done that. The hinged catcher gloves, thankfully, eliminated that two-hand approach.
One thing I have noticed lately since catchers have gone to this method is I’ve seen so many more passed balls and “wild pitches” in the MLB (mainly because you block yourself off on balls down and away and up and away) I have also noticed more catchers are trying to pick balls and get passed balls / “wild pitches” because they can’t move as fast or cover as much lateral ground and a traditional stance. Just what I’ve noticed
Yep I totally agree. I have seen the same thing. I just don't see that you can move as fast especially when they have a knee down and the other leg completly extended. If they have to move to go after a passed ball towards the leg thats extended, I have seen a lot of problems doing so.
Physically and rationally sound have to do with the biomechanics contradicting the Kinesiology of one's body's potential and limitations. Meanwhile our job is not to turn a ball into a strike our job is to apparently make anything look as if it's within the strike zone of a pitcher's consistency in terms of location. However we are not pitching coaches or umpires. And with all the respect to both these guys in terms of framing it is what we call loud way too much movement on the glove and presupposes that it is the movement that is convincing this Major League umpire that that ball is actually a strike. Incoherent.
I'm an amateur catcher as well as a little league umpire, been doing both for 32 years and love the game hard. You and the guys you bring in are able to put all the concepts into words that we can really use to teach kids about the beautiful subtleties of the game, especially behind the plate. Really digging the content lately, please keep it up!
Best way to describe pitch framing: it's about funneling the ball towards the center of your body. You can't jerk the glove, and it's not about pulling pitches. It's about making it look like the ball just came to the center of your chest on its own. You should always be catching the ball towards you and it should be fluid.
This makes so much sense. My catcher for almost 6 years, from Sr. League ball to American legion ball, was great at making those borderline pitches look like strikes. The one knee down method would have help him and I even more. Great lesson.
Very nice. I just saw this but I coach a team of middle schoolers and one of our pitchers loves a low target. I struggled right along with my catchers to give it to him. Can’t wait to show them this tool.
Very very very interesting vidéo. I don't understand all because you speak so quickly for me. I'm French, I'm Catcher in France and I thank you for this!!! 👍🏻👏🏻
I love these videos. They're so informative. I'm an old school catcher but a varsity catching coach for an elite high school team. I'm learning a lot. Thank you for making these 🙏🏽💪🏽
Hey Coach, what a great video. Keep the catcher drills coming. I truly believe that the catcher is the sole of the defense! Y'all remember when the catcher use to have that big Letter "C" on their jerseys? Stands for the CAPTAIN of the team is what I believe. I coach 3 teams this year and all of our catchers are killing us. Even if a strike and it's a pass ball, it hurts my pitchers confidence, too continue too work his mechanics! Maybe I'm wrong? Please let me know.
I would question the mobility of stopping wild pitches in the ground to either side, you can push off the foot and slide on the guard, but you have no push from the shin. And I'd like to see a solid throw to second with that open leg stance on the same side of the glove. Doubtful its most efficient mechanics to the goal.
guys throw to second with right knee down with the same if not better pop times than a traditional secondary stance, and yes mobility is limited with one knee down but also there’s some responsibility on the pitcher to command pitches and not spike fastballs or curveballs 3 feet either side
Agreed. I'm a catching coach and this whole new school catching is tough for me to get on board with... With a runner on though, there's no way any of my catchers will have a knee down. They will be in a throw ready stance. And as far as blocking the ball with a leg down... If the legs down then there shouldn't be anyone on base period. I do not agree with creating and condoning laziness with the catcher. If you can't handle being in the catchers stance for a whole game maybe they should be plalying soccer 🤷🏽♂️
@@elijahansell7650 I disagree, in most cases the traditional pop to throwing stance is quicker than dropping to the knees unless you've got some crazy arm strength..
I've been a catcher since I was 14 and now I'm 16 but I'm a lefty catcher so I kinda already used this but now I'm gonn add these tips for my game in 3 days thanks coach
One thing that I would have liked to ask is about the safety aspect of one knee down. The shin guards are there to take those foul balls and 55 foot pitches. With one knee down the shin guard is on the ground and I would think you would know need a thigh guard to protect those from taking a pounding.
First, yes, you open yourself up to more ball-on-flesh contact, however thighs have more natural padding than shins so you are less likely to have a game ending injury from getting hit there. The leg is also further back behind the glove, so a foul tip is more likely to find leather. If you think about the standard method for receiving a pitch in the dirt, both knees go to the ground already so this changes noting on the 55 foot pitch. (reference ua-cam.com/video/eQCF2jZiU5M/v-deo.html)
Exactly. Little league carchers would need a thigh pad. Also I was surprised he kept his right hand on his thigh. Seems like a great way to break wrist on a foul ball
@@johnmiller8884 The ball velocity slows down after it hits the dirt and then usually bounces and hits the chest protector because of the traditional cradle technique. We are talking about lightning fast foul tips that never hit the ground and go straight to the body. There is a big difference.
I have realized that when you do get on one knee it’s a lot easier to read the ball and tbh with you it is a lot easier to feel comfortable and more reliable with no one on base
Depends on the individuals talent. Tony Pena used the one knee stance when there were no runners on base. He won a Gold Glove Award in both the American & National leagues. The Red Sox started this summer to train their catchers in the minors to use the one knee stance.
The Catcher position is evolving. Teams are recruiting taller and more athletic catchers. Guys who are 6’3 ft and taller benefit from the one knee down stance as a catcher. It’s a lot easier on your knees but you will be giving up some protection.
Glad to hear it explained but…ask any umpire and they’ll tell you that framing has zero to do with their call (I call BS on that) but glad someone is explaining it. Harder to block balls but cool with target
Great video and explanation! So when we go to automated, umpire-less balls and strikes, will the stance/receiving change since framing and blocking out the ump won't matter?
The big thing for me is the throwing from the catchers stance . It looks like with the right knee down that there isn’t that big of a difference but logically thinking it should be harder to get off a throw with the left knee down ? Maybe if I see it done like you demonstrated with right knee down , it might click with me ?
I can tell just by looking at it that the one knee stance will allow a lot of people whose hip anatomy doesn't allow them to squat that low to be a lot more comfortable in the position.
They just need to stretch more then... Hip anatomy doesn't have anything to do with mobility... Our hips are all made the same. Some are just tighter because they probably don't do mobility work
@@GAMBLINGU this is not correct. Some people have more shallow ball and socket joinys in their hips than others. if their ball and socket is too deep then this can limit the range of motion of the hips. Just think about everyone in the world, there is no way that everyone's hips are made the same. Sometimes it is a muscle tightness issue but sometimes it is also an issue with hip anatomy and bone structure.
@@JCrushFitness you are correct, the motion is going to be compensate elsewhere in the body, typically more flexion in the lower back to compensate for tight hip sockets or tight ankles. Mobility and strength in end ranges of motion can certainly be improved to be more functional. Sincerely, an avid catcher and weight lifter who's battle back problems for a long time!
I’ve always liked the one knee down position, but I would never be on board with doing it if there are runners on base, unless they’re slow runners. I just feel like it takes more time to get up from a knee then to just lift the hips and pivot the feet.
I’ve been catching for more years than I can count. I am also a high level national umpire (softball). When I’m catching and drop to a knee on the inside, you don’t block out the umpire. I’ve noticed so many times that a catcher will move inside and generally block out the umpire, closely followed by the catcher questioning why he didn’t see the pitch. I recommend it. It requires constant practice the throw to a base from the knee.
I’m old dude so I first saw Tony Pena of either St.Louis Cardinals or Pittsburgh Pirates get in that position in the 80s (I think it was the 80s and didn’t see no one else do it till recently.
Hi Coach, could you do a video about digging into the pitchers mound. I always see kids digging in, where the rubber is almost down the halfway mark. Thanks in advance.
Personally I think when a runner is in steal position you stick with the normal stance. But for me I stay with my knee on the throwing arm and with my catching leg a bit further up and I get up quicker I feel
I can totally see the difference what it looked like outside on both feet vs one knee. On both feet it really looked way outside. Vs one knee it looked not near as far out
Lots of coaches keep teaching this one down and trying to fool umpires to pull strikes into the zone, better be prepared to say hello to the electronic strike zone. (It looks lazy) Play it straight with the umpires and don't risk a foul tip off the thigh or not being prepared to lateral block, or go get a drag bunt. Your making the umpires look bad when you steal strikes and the other team clearly sees the level the ball passes the batter.. Another reason MLB is back to testing the electronic strike zone. Take it from an old school catcher who now umpires. If a Catcher starts pulling strikes into the zone, ball 1... reminder, the glove is not faster than the eye. Earn your called strikes, don't steal them. Its Easy.... teach catch and hold. Quit trying to fool the umpires, it may work. Then there won't be an umpire back there for too much longer to fool.
I never caught in a game .... but would always warm up pitchers. I have zero flexibility and would rest one knee on the ground. I would then think to myself .... man if they would let me catch with one knee ..... catching would be fun..... little did I know 30 years ago :)
My son does both old school and new school and he says he gets more calls with old school and funnelling. Subtle movements with slight funnelling. As long as he is quiet with a knee down but still keeps a target and funnels the ball he gets calls. It is not the knee down that I hate its the glove work. its the glove work. Slight hand movements funnelling. Dropping that glove down to the ground just , as a pitcher, makes it hard to focus on a target.
Great concept for MLB with accurate pitching and convincing umpires on borderline pitches. However, the catcher is less likely to block a wider pitch in the dirt, which is what you see a lot at the high school level. As mentioned, just another tool in the toolbox without runners on base. As a catcher myself, I do not like it with runners on. If you are constantly switching back and forth with technique does this affect muscle memory and the consistency of your game? Maybe we get too comfortable/lazy at times... And based on experience... Definitely more exposed on hard foul tips to the body. One may need to wear football thigh pads in a girdle with this technique. Definitely torn on this one knee concept at the high school level. I see how it is beneficial at a higher level in order to get those close calls with more accurate pitching.
Say this reason or that reason, what scenarios it supposedly helps but the fact is it hurts pitchers performance more than helps it as it makes balls in the dirt much harder to block especially the catcher going to the opposite side.
This makes sense except for blocking. Good luck trying to block a ball in the dirt on the knee-down side. If it’s anywhere outside the body, it’s going to the backstop unless you can pick it. I’ve seen so many pro catchers getting lazy with blocking and just throwing the glove at it because they cannot get into position. Vtek was arguably the last great defensive catcher that stayed on 2 feet with 2 strikes or runners on base, always ready to block. One knee is a fad and it went out of style after Tony Pena for a reason - it’s just justified laziness IMO.
Softball may be a little different but based off experience i can move to both sides pretty well and as u get older like pro ball it is less likely to go really far out of your body
Exactly. This is the dumbest thing ever. Just watched the Rockies catcher blow a game because he couldn’t reach against his body to catch a ball that should have been caught 99 times out of 100. So dumb
No matter what league, every catcher needs a ball Boy/girl to get the ball near the backstop that a terrible pitcher has thrown. My son is almost 10 and he is a good catcher, but he’s so sick and tired of terrible pitchers that can’t pitch. I’m talking about pitches that are 4 feet over him and 4 feet side to side. He has started throwing bad throws back to the pitcher so the pitcher has to over exert himself and make them work harder which isn’t the right thing to do. My biggest problem is the pitchers are the coaches and assistant coaches kids, but nobody has told the pitchers they suck, and nobody is helping them, just praising them when they throw a strike. It’s pretty bad when a pitcher throws 75 pitches and 55 of them are balls, and no hits. The other team doesn’t even need to hit the ball to win, most of the losses are because of wild pitches, hit batters and walks. I’m tired of 9-10 year olds setting up on the mound like they’re in the MLB, just play catch with the catcher and throw strikes, don’t try to throw heat when you have no control over it. I’m not the coach, but I know baseball very well, but I don’t want to step on toes, but when the pitchers are bad, it makes the catchers look worse to the average fan. I’ve told my son to play to the best of your ability and that’s all I ask for from him. What can be done to stop this madness?
I spent 20+ years umpiring youth, high school, and JuCo ball. Never paid attention to the what the catcher was doing with his mitt because I knew that his goal was to deceive me.
When I step into the slot I always try to be in line with the inside corner of the plate. Also I look at the front outside point of the plate and visualize a line straight up to try to establish the outside edge in my mind before the pitch. If the catcher sets up way inside, I will even set up on their outside shoulder and draw that imaginary line for both the inside and outside edges of the plate. I know it's not recommended to set up on the outside shoulder but I refuse to let the catcher to block my view of both front corners of the plate. To many umpires, both amateur and pro, try to establish "their zone" rather than call the zone described in the rule book. Something else that I try to remember is that the strike zone is 3 dementional. It's not just if the ball crosses at the front of the plate.
Great video. I can't tell you how many comments we have on our channel about the one knee down concept. I'm going to share this video on my comments section if you don't mind. Let me know. I won't post it if you don't want me to. Thanks again.
This is an art form and it’s sad that RoboUmps would really kill the framing and technique of catching. You could catch it however you like if you don’t have any baserunners.
Knee down also opens up that thigh for a foul ball and constricts movement upwards. Not saying that form is incorrect, but it shouldn’t be preferred. Just an opinion 🤷🏽♂️
I caught from 6 years old until I was 21 when I got hurt in college. This one knee stance is ok with Noone on base or less than 2 strikes, where you don't need to block anything in the dirt or there is no threat of someone stealing a base. I can't believe they are teaching this to young kids that are learning the trade. The whole better framing of low balls is absolutely b.s specially since 99% in the major leagues are HORRIBLE at framing. When you go on one knee you are cutting your mobility by more than half, there's no way they are reacting to a pitch in the dirt to either side, the only way they will be able to block something is if it's thrown directly in front of them, hense why all of these clowns catching today have to back hand balls in the dirt instead of blocking. When a ball in the dirt is back handed its called luck not a blocking skill. When you move up in categories where pitchers throw harder your reaction time is way less. As far as feeling less fatigued, how about you work your legs out so that you become conditioned to deal with any amount of innings. I used to catch multiple games in one day with no issues because you are supposed to use your hamstrings more than your knees, that's why "knee savors" were crap. I'm 34 now and my knees are fine.
Man, I know I’m in the minority, but I hate the one knee approach for most catchers. I watch Grandal and think he’s one of the worst catchers in MLB (there’s a reason he got benched in the WS a few years ago). Gary Sanchez is another one. These guys are way too preoccupied with framing while their pitching staffs lead the league in “passed balls.” I believe framing exists, but I don’t believe in the framing metrics AT ALL. There’s literally no way to substantiate how an umpire would have called a pitch...there’s really only a few exceptional catchers that can do this effectively
Is used to be that only a few catches knew how to frame pitches well. But now teams have started to value framing, and it has become more common. fivethirtyeight.com/features/mitch-garver-wasnt-catching-strikes-so-he-changed-his-catching-stance/
So why not just catch from your knees if you want to eliminate the knee as a reference point... ill tell you why, because it's ridiculous... has anybody noticed that passed balls with runners in scoring position have gone up since this whole 1 knee bs started... it limits your lateral range, period... especially to your dropped knee side...
Check out Kyle’s Blocking Drills Progression in this video here, it’s pure gold!👉 ua-cam.com/video/eQCF2jZiU5M/v-deo.html
>>iii>
As a new catcher I have my first game today, and will use these techniques and I’ll tell you how it goes at the end of the season!!!
How was it?
@@christopherdebbane4472 I caught much better only gave up one or two passed balls, and I have horrible knees and this helped with that!!! Only problem was in the 9th it was a tie game and we had no more pitchers so I had to pitch. And I hit four batters and we lost lol:(. But I had a good time and played good so I can’t be to mad.
@@zerip9756 yeah at the end of the day that’s all that matters
Good luck on developing your craft behind the plate. I was a backstop for a lot of my career. I loved it, but it was really rough some days. A broken thumb, a concussion, and three foul balls to the throat are the injuries I remember.
@@PlaceStillMatters i feel you with the broken thumb my guy!
Tony Pena was doing the leg out stance back in the 80’s. He was the reason way I chose to play catcher. Excellent video!!!
Same here. The lower the better. Actually very comfortable.
Loved watching Peña play!
Great video. Hopefully many youth coaches see this video. My son always gets yelled at when he uses the knee down technique. Coaches don’t get it until we talk to them about the advantages, specifically not fatiguing as quickly and being able to frame that low pitch.
Youth players shouldn’t be doing it IMO. Catchers are just learning the position and need to perfect receiving the ball in primary and secondary stances. Blocking is just more important than framing. Youth pitchers don’t consistently hit the chalk of the zone that consistently either. Finally, the catcher’s armor protects them on the squat on a foul ball. Kids will catch one to the quad and get hurt
This coach saw it and will be sharing it with 3 more coaches tomorrow.
Good glove work allows you to frame a low pitch... not 1 knee down... this is costing teams everyday in the mlb... I still can't understand it, its ridiculous. I actually have a bunch of videos saved that I show my catchers on how one know down limits your lateral range.
@@mraycgz unfortunate..
@@steveo3530 hey steve, i am a junior in high school and catching is a very “style based” position, i use OKD and traditional, whenever no one is on base and there is less than two strikes, there is no huge benefit to stopping balls bounced or thrown way out of the zone, getting to that low pitch is more important, you still want to stop those balls as you do t want to frustrate the umpire, catching stances are all about pros and cons, the Big league guys can catch from a one knee when people are on base because their pitchers won’t yank one allowing there pros “ of always getting the low pitch” out weighs the facts that they might have to once in a while get out and block that ball, they are big league caliber players and have weighed out those pros and cons, now for me, pitchers in high school and high level travel are really good, but have no where near the accuracy as pro guys, i have weighed out my pros and cons and still catch from one knee down, but only when there are no runners on base, and there is less than two strikes, for drop third strikes, and as for injury to the top of your knee, my shin guards are good enough (all star shin gaurds) to where my knee won’t get hit, and if my thigh gets hit, it has meat on it and it might sting a bit, but it will just be a bruise and will not limit my performance, therefore not being a con i worry two much about.
The one knee method removes an entire leg guard of protection and opens up the thigh/groin to potential foul balls and backswings. Always been the primary reasoning to stay on your feet when I was growing up to keep the protective gear protecting. Certainly pros and cons to each method as you clearly state. Nice video.
Thank you. I've been looking for anyone in the comment section with this concern. This reasoning is what's holding me back from converting to one knee down.
True, it opens up more flesh, but the top of knee and the thigh are the most vulnerable spots on the catcher anyway. You're going to get hit there, no matter what. You're going to get hit with a foul ball in the cup. There's no way to avoid it. It's just part of the pounding you take as a catcher. But it's not like it's going to be happening every inning. You'll also still have the glove in front of the knee you put down to offer some protection. That's part of how you decide which knee to put down, ie which side of the plate the hitter is on and where you're going with the pitch. When I started catching 45+ years ago, this method would have been frowned upon and you'd be viewed as lazy. But there's definitely some strategy to it.
The trend I don't like is when the catcher is in a traditional stance, but drops to a knee upon receiving every pitch. I see this on nearly every pitch in high school and college these days. I realize it's because you don't want a ball to get by you, but you have to be able to drop and block from a standard 2-ft position. Dropping upon receiving the pitch creates too much movement, and it puts you in a bad position to field or throw. You have to get over that.
@@mph7282 True there always is that risk in catching. After I got caught in the groin with a couple foul tips, I realized why Pro catchers used to close their knees together just before receiving the pitch. This was in the 70's. Nothing has changed as far as getting hurt as a catcher. I also used to keep my throwing hand back away from my glove by my side after a very painful thumb hang nail from a foul tip (this is where the foul tip hits your thumb and separates your nail from your thumb for an instant causing instant swelling twice the size of my thumb). This was also a tip I received from watching MLB catchers who had likely been hurt on their throwing hand in the past.
@@davidursini4740 Funny, the 1-handed catching technique, with the throwing hand tucked behind your body, was once considered the wrong way and the ruin of catchers everywhere. That's been the predominant style for 50 years now, but no doubt there's some old-timers out there still complaining about not using two hands.
@@mph7282 - Nice comment. In the "old" days, using those pancake catcher mitts made it necessary to position the throwing hand under the mitt with the hand's palm at @ 45 degrees or more and fingers facing downward, so if the deflected pitch contacted that hand, the injury, if any, would be slight. Been there, done that. The hinged catcher gloves, thankfully, eliminated that two-hand approach.
One thing I have noticed lately since catchers have gone to this method is I’ve seen so many more passed balls and “wild pitches” in the MLB (mainly because you block yourself off on balls down and away and up and away) I have also noticed more catchers are trying to pick balls and get passed balls / “wild pitches” because they can’t move as fast or cover as much lateral ground and a traditional stance. Just what I’ve noticed
Yep I totally agree. I have seen the same thing. I just don't see that you can move as fast especially when they have a knee down and the other leg completly extended. If they have to move to go after a passed ball towards the leg thats extended, I have seen a lot of problems doing so.
Physically and rationally sound have to do with the biomechanics contradicting the Kinesiology of one's body's potential and limitations. Meanwhile our job is not to turn a ball into a strike our job is to apparently make anything look as if it's within the strike zone of a pitcher's consistency in terms of location. However we are not pitching coaches or umpires. And with all the respect to both these guys in terms of framing it is what we call loud way too much movement on the glove and presupposes that it is the movement that is convincing this Major League umpire that that ball is actually a strike. Incoherent.
This is what I have been saying. It doesn't seem that the pros outweigh the cons
Pretty cool how subtle changes in stance can change the capabilities of the position entirely.
As a universal ball player myself,it's good for any catcher.i recommended.it can help any pitcher in trouble.
I'm a catcher
I'm an amateur catcher as well as a little league umpire, been doing both for 32 years and love the game hard. You and the guys you bring in are able to put all the concepts into words that we can really use to teach kids about the beautiful subtleties of the game, especially behind the plate. Really digging the content lately, please keep it up!
Thank you so much 🙏🏻 will do!
Best way to describe pitch framing: it's about funneling the ball towards the center of your body. You can't jerk the glove, and it's not about pulling pitches. It's about making it look like the ball just came to the center of your chest on its own. You should always be catching the ball towards you and it should be fluid.
This makes so much sense. My catcher for almost 6 years, from Sr. League ball to American legion ball, was great at making those borderline pitches look like strikes. The one knee down method would have help him and I even more. Great lesson.
Hey I have a question what American legion post did you play at?
@@johndobkowski3884 I’m not sure. The team was from Carrollton Mo.
Very nice. I just saw this but I coach a team of middle schoolers and one of our pitchers loves a low target. I struggled right along with my catchers to give it to him. Can’t wait to show them this tool.
You’re going good to be the coach they remember forever for this
Very very very interesting vidéo. I don't understand all because you speak so quickly for me. I'm French, I'm Catcher in France and I thank you for this!!! 👍🏻👏🏻
This channels videos has really improved, watched an older video and it was a while differnet coach. Way to go!
Great video very informative. Can you make a video of how you would throw a ball down to second base ?
I love these videos. They're so informative. I'm an old school catcher but a varsity catching coach for an elite high school team. I'm learning a lot. Thank you for making these 🙏🏽💪🏽
Hey Coach, what a great video. Keep the catcher drills coming. I truly believe that the catcher is the sole of the defense! Y'all remember when the catcher use to have that big Letter "C" on their jerseys? Stands for the CAPTAIN of the team is what I believe. I coach 3 teams this year and all of our catchers are killing us. Even if a strike and it's a pass ball, it hurts my pitchers confidence, too continue too work his mechanics! Maybe I'm wrong? Please let me know.
Dropped third strike, batter runs too first. Catcher makes bad throw, then runner ends up on third in scoring position? True or no?
@@saltyredneck3339 true facts
I would question the mobility of stopping wild pitches in the ground to either side, you can push off the foot and slide on the guard, but you have no push from the shin. And I'd like to see a solid throw to second with that open leg stance on the same side of the glove. Doubtful its most efficient mechanics to the goal.
well you wouldnt do this with 2 strikes or runner on a base obivously
guys throw to second with right knee down with the same if not better pop times than a traditional secondary stance, and yes mobility is limited with one knee down but also there’s some responsibility on the pitcher to command pitches and not spike fastballs or curveballs 3 feet either side
Agreed. I'm a catching coach and this whole new school catching is tough for me to get on board with... With a runner on though, there's no way any of my catchers will have a knee down. They will be in a throw ready stance. And as far as blocking the ball with a leg down... If the legs down then there shouldn't be anyone on base period. I do not agree with creating and condoning laziness with the catcher. If you can't handle being in the catchers stance for a whole game maybe they should be plalying soccer 🤷🏽♂️
@@elijahansell7650 I disagree, in most cases the traditional pop to throwing stance is quicker than dropping to the knees unless you've got some crazy arm strength..
I've been a catcher since I was 14 and now I'm 16 but I'm a lefty catcher so I kinda already used this but now I'm gonn add these tips for my game in 3 days thanks coach
I haven't had the opportunity to watch Dillon but I've heard in my town about him. I've heard the most excellent things about him.
One thing that I would have liked to ask is about the safety aspect of one knee down. The shin guards are there to take those foul balls and 55 foot pitches. With one knee down the shin guard is on the ground and I would think you would know need a thigh guard to protect those from taking a pounding.
First, yes, you open yourself up to more ball-on-flesh contact, however thighs have more natural padding than shins so you are less likely to have a game ending injury from getting hit there. The leg is also further back behind the glove, so a foul tip is more likely to find leather. If you think about the standard method for receiving a pitch in the dirt, both knees go to the ground already so this changes noting on the 55 foot pitch. (reference ua-cam.com/video/eQCF2jZiU5M/v-deo.html)
Exactly. Little league carchers would need a thigh pad. Also I was surprised he kept his right hand on his thigh. Seems like a great way to break wrist on a foul ball
@@johnmiller8884 The ball velocity slows down after it hits the dirt and then usually bounces and hits the chest protector because of the traditional cradle technique. We are talking about lightning fast foul tips that never hit the ground and go straight to the body. There is a big difference.
I have realized that when you do get on one knee it’s a lot easier to read the ball and tbh with you it is a lot easier to feel comfortable and more reliable with no one on base
Depends on the individuals talent. Tony Pena used the one knee stance when there were no runners on base. He won a Gold Glove Award in both the American & National leagues. The Red Sox started this summer to train their catchers in the minors to use the one knee stance.
The Catcher position is evolving. Teams are recruiting taller and more athletic catchers. Guys who are 6’3 ft and taller benefit from the one knee down stance as a catcher. It’s a lot easier on your knees but you will be giving up some protection.
Catchers are the most involved players on the field. Many became managers.
Bochy is a former catcher and future HOF manager.
Glad to hear it explained but…ask any umpire and they’ll tell you that framing has zero to do with their call (I call BS on that) but glad someone is explaining it. Harder to block balls but cool with target
Great video and explanation! So when we go to automated, umpire-less balls and strikes, will the stance/receiving change since framing and blocking out the ump won't matter?
The big thing for me is the throwing from the catchers stance . It looks like with the right knee down that there isn’t that big of a difference but logically thinking it should be harder to get off a throw with the left knee down ? Maybe if I see it done like you demonstrated with right knee down , it might click with me ?
Tony Pena and was leap year's ahead of everyone
Your right...today all catchers got the attention in this tecq.that are been using for years.
O do like his balance of the two techniques.
Great video. Though, it’s an old trick; see Benito Santiago, but the reference to Yadi redeemed. 👍
I wish I would have known this when I played catcher. Great tips!
I can tell just by looking at it that the one knee stance will allow a lot of people whose hip anatomy doesn't allow them to squat that low to be a lot more comfortable in the position.
They just need to stretch more then... Hip anatomy doesn't have anything to do with mobility... Our hips are all made the same. Some are just tighter because they probably don't do mobility work
@@GAMBLINGU this is not correct. Some people have more shallow ball and socket joinys in their hips than others. if their ball and socket is too deep then this can limit the range of motion of the hips. Just think about everyone in the world, there is no way that everyone's hips are made the same. Sometimes it is a muscle tightness issue but sometimes it is also an issue with hip anatomy and bone structure.
@@JCrushFitness you are correct, the motion is going to be compensate elsewhere in the body, typically more flexion in the lower back to compensate for tight hip sockets or tight ankles. Mobility and strength in end ranges of motion can certainly be improved to be more functional. Sincerely, an avid catcher and weight lifter who's battle back problems for a long time!
I’ve always liked the one knee down position, but I would never be on board with doing it if there are runners on base, unless they’re slow runners. I just feel like it takes more time to get up from a knee then to just lift the hips and pivot the feet.
I’ve been catching for more years than I can count. I am also a high level national umpire (softball). When I’m catching and drop to a knee on the inside, you don’t block out the umpire. I’ve noticed so many times that a catcher will move inside and generally block out the umpire, closely followed by the catcher questioning why he didn’t see the pitch. I recommend it. It requires constant practice the throw to a base from the knee.
I do the one knee down but only with no one on bc im only 11 and it’s hard to pop up and im not that good at blocking from the position
Can you do a video on good pitching grips for a 3/4 arm slot pitcher?
I’m old dude so I first saw Tony Pena of either St.Louis Cardinals or Pittsburgh Pirates get in that position in the 80s (I think it was the 80s and didn’t see no one else do it till recently.
amazing video the tips actually made sense and I think that they'll help out a whole lot thanks so much very helpful!!
Hi Coach, could you do a video about digging into the pitchers mound. I always see kids digging in, where the rubber is almost down the halfway mark. Thanks in advance.
For sure. Will do.
@@YouGoPro thank you sir
I use this when there aren’t runners on or if there is a slow person on first
I'm a sponge. Keep it coming!👍 Thank you!!!
That hoodie is as the kids say. Drip.
💦
Ong 😂
“NO CAP” 🧢😂
Dripping
Drip?
What if you’re a one-knee guy regarding to throwing? How can you keep that one-knee framing but be athletic and ready to gun runners down
Personally I think when a runner is in steal position you stick with the normal stance. But for me I stay with my knee on the throwing arm and with my catching leg a bit further up and I get up quicker I feel
This stance also saves your knees as well and strain on your back. The position is unforgiving and can lead to long-term knee, leg and back problems.
Great video,especially for dads who really like to learn how to help train their children,Doing a great job !!
I can totally see the difference what it looked like outside on both feet vs one knee. On both feet it really looked way outside. Vs one knee it looked not near as far out
Lots of coaches keep teaching this one down and trying to fool umpires to pull strikes into the zone, better be prepared to say hello to the electronic strike zone. (It looks lazy) Play it straight with the umpires and don't risk a foul tip off the thigh or not being prepared to lateral block, or go get a drag bunt. Your making the umpires look bad when you steal strikes and the other team clearly sees the level the ball passes the batter.. Another reason MLB is back to testing the electronic strike zone.
Take it from an old school catcher who now umpires. If a Catcher starts pulling strikes into the zone, ball 1... reminder, the glove is not faster than the eye. Earn your called strikes, don't steal them. Its Easy.... teach catch and hold. Quit trying to fool the umpires, it may work. Then there won't be an umpire back there for too much longer to fool.
I never caught in a game .... but would always warm up pitchers. I have zero flexibility and would rest one knee on the ground. I would then think to myself .... man if they would let me catch with one knee ..... catching would be fun..... little did I know 30 years ago :)
My son does both old school and new school and he says he gets more calls with old school and funnelling. Subtle movements with slight funnelling. As long as he is quiet with a knee down but still keeps a target and funnels the ball he gets calls. It is not the knee down that I hate its the glove work. its the glove work. Slight hand movements funnelling. Dropping that glove down to the ground just , as a pitcher, makes it hard to focus on a target.
Yo I like your videos, but wayyyy too much cutting from zoomed out shot to zoomed in shot. I actually got nauseous. Made it super choppy.
Completely agree. Very distracting and difficult to watch.
@yougoprobaseball What is your opinion in implementing the "one knee" technique in fastpitch softball/
Do it!!!
Umps see this vid and think, "Man they're really out to make us look like crap"
Thank you for bringing this kind of content! Please keep up... we're loving it
You’re welcome. Kyle and I shot a handful of videos and they’ll all be uploaded soon!
How do I get used to sitting in catchers position without one knee down I’m have to catch this weekend
Great concept for MLB with accurate pitching and convincing umpires on borderline pitches. However, the catcher is less likely to block a wider pitch in the dirt, which is what you see a lot at the high school level. As mentioned, just another tool in the toolbox without runners on base. As a catcher myself, I do not like it with runners on. If you are constantly switching back and forth with technique does this affect muscle memory and the consistency of your game? Maybe we get too comfortable/lazy at times... And based on experience... Definitely more exposed on hard foul tips to the body. One may need to wear football thigh pads in a girdle with this technique. Definitely torn on this one knee concept at the high school level. I see how it is beneficial at a higher level in order to get those close calls with more accurate pitching.
Say this reason or that reason, what scenarios it supposedly helps but the fact is it hurts pitchers performance more than helps it as it makes balls in the dirt much harder to block especially the catcher going to the opposite side.
Nice video keep the catcher vids coming!
More on the way soon!
Thanks for the tips
You’re welcome
This makes sense except for blocking. Good luck trying to block a ball in the dirt on the knee-down side. If it’s anywhere outside the body, it’s going to the backstop unless you can pick it. I’ve seen so many pro catchers getting lazy with blocking and just throwing the glove at it because they cannot get into position. Vtek was arguably the last great defensive catcher that stayed on 2 feet with 2 strikes or runners on base, always ready to block. One knee is a fad and it went out of style after Tony Pena for a reason - it’s just justified laziness IMO.
Softball may be a little different but based off experience i can move to both sides pretty well and as u get older like pro ball it is less likely to go really far out of your body
Exactly. This is the dumbest thing ever. Just watched the Rockies catcher blow a game because he couldn’t reach against his body to catch a ball that should have been caught 99 times out of 100. So dumb
Pass ball, runner scores, game over. What a joke. Who thinks of stupid shit like this
One leg major league catcher
No matter what league, every catcher needs a ball Boy/girl to get the ball near the backstop that a terrible pitcher has thrown.
My son is almost 10 and he is a good catcher, but he’s so sick and tired of terrible pitchers that can’t pitch. I’m talking about pitches that are 4 feet over him and 4 feet side to side. He has started throwing bad throws back to the pitcher so the pitcher has to over exert himself and make them work harder which isn’t the right thing to do. My biggest problem is the pitchers are the coaches and assistant coaches kids, but nobody has told the pitchers they suck, and nobody is helping them, just praising them when they throw a strike. It’s pretty bad when a pitcher throws 75 pitches and 55 of them are balls, and no hits. The other team doesn’t even need to hit the ball to win, most of the losses are because of wild pitches, hit batters and walks. I’m tired of 9-10 year olds setting up on the mound like they’re in the MLB, just play catch with the catcher and throw strikes, don’t try to throw heat when you have no control over it. I’m not the coach, but I know baseball very well, but I don’t want to step on toes, but when the pitchers are bad, it makes the catchers look worse to the average fan. I’ve told my son to play to the best of your ability and that’s all I ask for from him.
What can be done to stop this madness?
Good video
Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Yeah. When your pitchers throw it where you want it.
I spent 20+ years umpiring youth, high school, and JuCo ball. Never paid attention to the what the catcher was doing with his mitt because I knew that his goal was to deceive me.
When I step into the slot I always try to be in line with the inside corner of the plate. Also I look at the front outside point of the plate and visualize a line straight up to try to establish the outside edge in my mind before the pitch. If the catcher sets up way inside, I will even set up on their outside shoulder and draw that imaginary line for both the inside and outside edges of the plate. I know it's not recommended to set up on the outside shoulder but I refuse to let the catcher to block my view of both front corners of the plate. To many umpires, both amateur and pro, try to establish "their zone" rather than call the zone described in the rule book. Something else that I try to remember is that the strike zone is 3 dementional. It's not just if the ball crosses at the front of the plate.
good vid
I use asian squat method but maybe i should change
Thank 😂🎉❤ 5:26
This guy has an insane amount of dorsiflexion.
Great video. I can't tell you how many comments we have on our channel about the one knee down concept. I'm going to share this video on my comments section if you don't mind. Let me know. I won't post it if you don't want me to. Thanks again.
I like that it seems like he’s just going on a rant 😂
Nice ....
Isn’t that one knee down stance going to be better, for longevity for a catcher’s career?
Mlb is going to automated balls and strikes calling.
I think Benito Santiago started knee down in the 70s and 80s
Hi I play baseball
Wow crazy
That crazy
This is an art form and it’s sad that RoboUmps would really kill the framing and technique of catching. You could catch it however you like if you don’t have any baserunners.
heyyyy im coach madden too lol
I don’t like it if the ball bounces your stuck
Knee down also opens up that thigh for a foul ball and constricts movement upwards. Not saying that form is incorrect, but it shouldn’t be preferred. Just an opinion 🤷🏽♂️
Next thing you know Tony Pena leg out will come back
yo aint no way they filmed this at my baseball field
I dont know, my foot hurts when I try one knee
Why are those gloves so small
Where were you 33 years ago when I started catching ? My knees could’ve used someone telling coach he was wrong.
I caught from 6 years old until I was 21 when I got hurt in college. This one knee stance is ok with Noone on base or less than 2 strikes, where you don't need to block anything in the dirt or there is no threat of someone stealing a base. I can't believe they are teaching this to young kids that are learning the trade. The whole better framing of low balls is absolutely b.s specially since 99% in the major leagues are HORRIBLE at framing. When you go on one knee you are cutting your mobility by more than half, there's no way they are reacting to a pitch in the dirt to either side, the only way they will be able to block something is if it's thrown directly in front of them, hense why all of these clowns catching today have to back hand balls in the dirt instead of blocking. When a ball in the dirt is back handed its called luck not a blocking skill. When you move up in categories where pitchers throw harder your reaction time is way less. As far as feeling less fatigued, how about you work your legs out so that you become conditioned to deal with any amount of innings. I used to catch multiple games in one day with no issues because you are supposed to use your hamstrings more than your knees, that's why "knee savors" were crap. I'm 34 now and my knees are fine.
Not a standard.
No 2 catchers do the same
One knee down? Poor idea.
My 10 year old saw mlb catchers on one knee and I can't get him back to 2 feet down for nothing😂😂
Save them knees
The only problem with that stance is it opens yourself up to the dreaded and painful foul tip to the groin!
Cardinals won a game last night because of a past ball that i believe was a direct result of sitting like this
That’s a misuse of this stance then, it’s meant for no runners and to be your primary
Is it just me, or does his glove seem really small?
Are you joe Madison’s son
Just interesting how MLB catchers started doing this right about the time players started kneeling during the anthems....
and around the time the knight in your avatar started kneeling.
#Coincidence?
The cuts were distracting! Couldn't watch past 90 seconds...
Man, I know I’m in the minority, but I hate the one knee approach for most catchers. I watch Grandal and think he’s one of the worst catchers in MLB (there’s a reason he got benched in the WS a few years ago). Gary Sanchez is another one. These guys are way too preoccupied with framing while their pitching staffs lead the league in “passed balls.” I believe framing exists, but I don’t believe in the framing metrics AT ALL. There’s literally no way to substantiate how an umpire would have called a pitch...there’s really only a few exceptional catchers that can do this effectively
Is used to be that only a few catches knew how to frame pitches well. But now teams have started to value framing, and it has become more common.
fivethirtyeight.com/features/mitch-garver-wasnt-catching-strikes-so-he-changed-his-catching-stance/
Not a fan of the one knee stance…a lot more to it than receiving…ok with no one on but with runners on …no way
So why not just catch from your knees if you want to eliminate the knee as a reference point... ill tell you why, because it's ridiculous... has anybody noticed that passed balls with runners in scoring position have gone up since this whole 1 knee bs started... it limits your lateral range, period... especially to your dropped knee side...
Hate it.