Have you ever ever puzzled if catchers utilizing a one-knee setup are worse at blocking pitches?
It’s a hotly debated subject amongst baseball followers and analysts alike.
To reply this query, Baseball America printed this 2023 report:
Do One Knee Setups Hinder A Catcher’s Blocking Capacity? – by JJ Cooper
In it, they studied new Statcast knowledge from 66 MLB catchers, greater than half of whom have been utilizing one-knee stance completely. The breakdown seemed like this:
One-Knee Setup: 56.06percentConventional Setup: 36.36percentHybrid Setup: 7.58%
And listed below are a couple of highlights from the report:
One-Knee Setups Are Simply as Efficient
Regardless of widespread issues, one-knee setups don’t result in extra missed blocks. Actually, they carry out fairly effectively in comparison with conventional setups.
High Performers Embrace Each Kinds
Adley Rutschman, utilizing a traditional setup, topped the charts with 18 blocks above common. However right here’s the twist: the subsequent greatest blockers, like Jose Trevino and J.T. Realmuto, all used a one-knee setup.
Worst Performers Embrace Each Kinds
Curiously, the worst blockers weren’t restricted to 1 explicit model, both. Francisco Mejia, Sam Huff, and James McCann, all utilizing one-knee setups, had among the many lowest blocks above common. But, MJ Melendez, utilizing a traditional setup, additionally struggled considerably. This exhibits that each setups can have sturdy and weak performers.
Total: Slight Edge for One-Knee
On common, one-knee catchers had 0.49 blocks above common per catcher, barely outperforming standard catchers who averaged 0.42. Hybrid catchers have been the standout group with 3.6 blocks above common.
Hybrid Setups: A Balanced Method
Hybrid catchers, who swap between one-knee and conventional setups, proved to be extremely efficient, averaging 3.6 blocks above common. This method permits catchers to adapt their stance relying on the sport scenario, offering flexibility and effectiveness.
What About Youth and Excessive College Catchers?
Because the Chicago Cubs’ Roving Catching Teacher and Elite Catcher teacher Ryan Lavarnway factors out in his Intro to One Knee Stance video, issues may be fairly totally different for youthful catchers. There are a variety of issues to contemplate. However right here’s one of the vital vital… Don’t swap to a one-knee stance simply because it’s fashionable. If you happen to’re more practical in a standard squat, keep it up. Apply the one-knee place and see if it improves your recreation. If, over time, your effectiveness with the one-knee surpasses your conventional squat talents, then contemplate making the swap.
Key Takeaway: Grasp the One-Knee Approach
The info clearly exhibits that one-knee setups may be simply as efficient – or higher – than conventional setups in blocking pitches if executed accurately. (And that’s a BIG “if” !)As a result of we’re every constructed otherwise, it’s doable there’s no single “right” reply. Fairly, it’s greatest to study each with the intention to discover what works greatest on your greatest on your physique kind.If executed incorrectly, a one-knee stance will definitely restrict your mobility and effectiveness behind the plate. It’s crucial to study elite method with the intention to preserve side-to-side mobility (and poptime) from a one knee stance.
Elite Catcher is a on-line coaching program that’s taught completely by former Main League catcher Ryan Lavarnway. Inside this coaching program, you’ll study elite method for each conventional and one-knee stances at your individual tempo.
Proper now, we’re celebrating the discharge of Ryan’s all-new educating module and drills for the One Knee Stance. Till Monday Aug 5, at midnight, you possibly can be part of Elite Catcher for a large low cost. Study extra about how one can grasp Main League catching strategies — from wherever on this planet, for the worth of only a few non-public classes.
What to learn subsequent:
CATCHERS | Is Conventional Stance Outdated? 3 MLB Catchers & Coaches Reply the Query
How you can study elite catching method immediately from a Main Leaguer (irrespective of the place you reside)
About Creator
Ryan Lavarnway is a Main League catcher who has caught for the Boston Pink Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Oakland Athletics Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Miami Marlins, & Detroit Tigers. Lavarnway was drafted out of Yale in 2008. In 2013, he earned a World Sequence ring with the Pink Sox. He additionally caught for Workforce Israel within the 2017 (named “Pool A MVP” ) & 2018 World Baseball Classics, and the 2020 Olympics.
