Softball guide
Softball catcher basics for beginners
A softball catcher receives every pitch, blocks balls in the dirt, throws to bases and helps direct the defense. Beginners should start with well-fitting protective gear and a patient coach, and learn the stance, blocking and throwing step by step.
What a softball catcher does
The catcher crouches behind home plate, receives every pitch, blocks balls in the dirt, throws to bases on steals and helps run the defense. Because the catcher faces the whole field, she sees every play develop and often talks to teammates about outs, runners and where to throw. It is a demanding position, and also a rewarding one for players who like to be involved in every pitch. For a look at every position, see softball positions explained.
Gear comes first
Catching is not a position to try without protection. In standard youth practice, catchers wear a helmet with a mask, a throat guard, a chest protector and shin guards, plus a catcher's mitt. Some leagues require additional items or specific designs, so ask yours. The gear must fit properly:
- The helmet and mask should sit snug without wobbling or blocking vision, and the throat guard should hang in the right place.
- The chest protector should cover the torso without restricting the arms.
- Shin guards should cover the knees and shins and stay secure when the player squats.
- The mitt should be sized for her hand and padded enough for pitches to feel comfortable.
Replace gear that is cracked or has loose straps. The youth softball equipment checklist explains what to ask the league about catcher's gear, and many teams own a shared set.
Stance and receiving
- Squat comfortably with feet a bit wider than the shoulders and weight on the balls of the feet, so the catcher can move quickly.
- Glove out front. Hold the mitt up, giving the pitcher a clear target.
- Hide the throwing hand. Keep the bare hand behind the mitt or behind the leg to protect it from foul tips and bounces.
- Catch with soft hands. Give slightly as the ball arrives, instead of stabbing at it.
- Stay still. A steady target helps the pitcher and the umpire.
Many coaches teach a different stance when runners are on base, so the catcher can throw more quickly. Ask your coach how your team handles this, and let your child learn it in stages.
Blocking balls in the dirt
Not every pitch arrives in the glove. When a pitch bounces, the catcher's job is to keep the ball in front of her so runners cannot advance. Coaches usually teach players to drop to the knees, keep the chin tucked and the mitt between the legs, and let the chest absorb the ball. It looks scary at first, so practice with a coach using soft balls, and build confidence gradually. A player who is afraid of the ball is more likely to get hurt, so go at her pace and make sure every piece of protective gear fits.
Throwing and communication
Catchers throw to bases to stop steals, and also throw to first base or home on bunts and other plays. A quick, short throwing motion is more important than raw arm strength. Good footwork gets the ball out fast. Equally important is the voice. Catchers call out the number of outs, direct fielders on bunts and pop-ups and remind the team about the situation. A loud, clear catcher makes the whole team better.
Plays a catcher is part of
| Situation | What the catcher usually does |
|---|---|
| Runner tries to steal | Receives the pitch, then makes a quick throw to the base being covered |
| Bunt near home plate | Decides whether to field it, and calls where the throw should go |
| Pop-up near the plate | Removes the mask, finds the ball and calls for it if she has the best chance |
| Throw coming home | Gets in position, catches the throw and tags the runner if needed |
| Passed ball | Chases the ball while the pitcher covers home |
Safe ways to practice at home
Catching is best learned with a coach, but a few low-risk activities help at home. Practice the squat and stance without a ball, using a comfortable surface. Play easy catch with a soft ball to build soft hands and a quick transfer from mitt to throwing hand. Roll soft balls toward the player and let her practice moving in front of them. Skip hard-ball blocking and live pitching at home, since those need full gear and supervision. Keep sessions short, and stop if she is tired or uncomfortable.
Helping a nervous catcher
Many children feel nervous the first time they put on catcher's gear, and some find the mask and the ball coming toward them frightening. That is normal. Let her wear the gear around the house or at the field before trying it in a game, and start with soft balls and slow throws. Praise effort and bravery rather than results, and never push a child into the position. If she decides it is not for her, other positions are just as valuable. A catcher who chooses the role and feels safe in the gear will usually learn much faster than one who was pressured.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the throwing hand exposed.
- Squatting too high, or too low and flat-footed.
- Closing the eyes or turning the head when a ball is blocked.
- Wearing gear that is too big or too loose.
- Catching for too long without rest. A coach should rotate catchers or give breaks, and a child whose body hurts should tell an adult right away.
What to ask your coach
- Is team catcher's gear available, and can we try it on before the first game?
- How does the team teach blocking and throwing for young catchers?
- How long do catchers play in a game, and how do you give them rests?
- What are the league's rules about stealing and dropped third strikes, since they affect the catcher a lot?
Also see softball safety basics for parents for general safety habits, and how to start pitching in fastpitch softball for the other half of the battery.
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Sources and further reading
- Appendix B - Safety Code for Little League Little League International
- Governance (Official Rules of Softball) USA Softball
- What Parents, Local Leagues Need to Know About Equipping a Little Leaguer Little League International
- Safety Tips: Fastpitch Softball (for Teens) KidsHealth (Nemours)
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Frequently asked questions
What gear does a softball catcher need?
Usually a helmet with mask, a throat guard, a chest protector, shin guards and a catcher's mitt. Your league may require more, so ask.
Is catching safe for kids?
With properly fitted gear and good coaching it can be, but it is the most demanding position for protection. Ask your coach about gear and rest.
How do you teach a beginner to block a ball in the dirt?
A coach usually teaches dropping to the knees, tucking the chin and keeping the ball in front. Practice with soft balls and go at her pace.
Does a catcher need a strong arm?
A strong arm helps, but a quick release and good footwork matter more at the youth level.
Can any player try catching?
Most players can try with proper gear, but it should be her choice. Ask the coach for a gradual start.