The C4 Philosophy
“Good Catcher, Good Team” is a common statement heard around youth baseball, however, the catching position is often overlooked and underdeveloped among travel teams and recreational programs.
Coaches (often parents/volunteers/former players who never caught) are not familiar enough with the specific skills and instruction required to develop young players into quality catchers. As the founders of C4, we have worked extensively to create a youth catcher’s development program that teaches and trains players to learn the position in a constructive, fun and rewarding way.
The goal of each session is to provide clear instruction and give players an opportunity to practice the unique skills of the catcher position with quality reps. We found that small group sessions work best when training catchers so that players can engage and see other players at their age and skill level progress and develop. Alternating reps among a small group of players gives children a chance to digest and absorb what is being taught without fatigue and loss of focus.
As children progress through our program, they will be rewarded for obtaining levels (think similar to Martial Arts levels/Belt Colors). Using a token reward system to quantify a child’s progress will encourage them to reach new levels which will ultimately bring confidence, self-worth and most importantly tangible results on/off the field.
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C4 Focus Areas
RECEIVING
In this session, players will be taught how to properly receive pitches. Drills will include style/technique, recognizing pitch location, proper glove positioning, body positioning, squat style with/without runners on base. Players will be given sequencing/pitch-calling education. All instruction will be age/skill level specific.
Level advancement: will be assessed on a player’s ability to consistently receive pitches (movement and velocity) with minimal movement and activity in order to increase strike percentage.
BLOCKING
In this session, players will be taught how to properly block pitches in the dirt. Drills will include style/technique, recognizing pitch location, proper glove positioning, body positioning, squat style with/without runners on base. Specific instruction with emphasis on proper blocking technique in all directions, making use of equipment instinctively. Players will be given education on how/when to use learned techniques in specific game situations. All instruction will be age/skill level specific.
Level advancement: will be assessed on a player’s ability to consistently block and quickly gather pitches (movement, different locations and velocity) with proper technique and instinct in order to minimize passed balls and wild pitches.
THROWING
In this session, players will be taught how to properly throw from the catcher position. Drills will include style/technique, recognizing pitch location, proper glove positioning, body positioning, squat style with/without runners on base, proper footwork, arm slot, throwing lanes, improved accuracy and pop-up speed. Players will be given education on specific game throwing situations. All instruction will be age/skill level specific.
Level advancement: will be assessed on a player’s ability to consistently deliver strong and accurate throws with consistent movement and activity in order to increase speed and lower pop times.
FIELDING
In this session, players will be taught how to properly field in the catcher position. Drills will include style/technique, bunt defense, tag plays, double plays, throwing lanes and verbal communications as a field leader. Players will be educated on the overall catcher position as an infielder which includes game specific situations and reps. All instruction will be age/skill level specific.
Level advancement: will be assessed on a player’s ability to field the catcher's position, maintain proper footwork and body positioining while demonstrating an advancement in "Baseball IQ" at the catcher position. This includes strong verbal communication and situational judgement.