I suspect the title of this article might have got your attention. It would seem that I am advocating having catchers stop doing something that catchers have always been told and taught to do. Actually I am advocating having them use proper receiving techniques, and avoid some of the techniques that have become common place in catching over the years that do not increase the number of strikes called.
I advocate using techniques that keep strikes looking like strikes. I see so many students come for instruction with the idea that “Framing” is a technique that will fool an umpire into thinking a pitch that is a ball is really a strike. I ask all new students what they believe framing does, and that is almost always their answer, regardless of the age of the catcher. This technique is widely used and I believe actually contributes to close strikes being called as balls.
I will explain my position on “Framing” by explaining the 4 Laws of Good Receiving that I teach all my students. I explain to my students that they need to go behind the plate with these 4 laws firmly imbedded in their technique to be the best receivers they can be. READ MORE
