Should SOFTBALL CATCHERS use one-knee stance?

Right now we’re going to get this query answered by:

Former MLB catcher (and present Chicago Cubs roving catching coach)THREE totally different skilled Softball catchers

Right here’s the way it occurred.

We posed this query to our Elite Catcher teacher, former Main League catcher Ryan Lavarnway.

He answered this query (beneath), however didn’t cease there.  He ALSO went to his buddy, 3x Gold Medal winner & USA Softball Corridor of Famer Leah Amico.

Leah jumped on the likelihood to assist younger catchers, so she provided us with solutions from NOT ONE, however THREE totally different skilled softball catchers.

This was the superb query we obtained from Coach John out of Arizona:

“Would the one knee stance apply to SOFTBALL as nicely? I’m teaching each baseball and softball and with all of the similarities I’m curious if that is true about catching as nicely.”

“With nobody on base, 100% sure​.  In blocking and throwing conditions most softball gamers nonetheless go conventional stance, they haven’t made the swap but. It’s nonetheless somewhat taboo. That’s why I educate each inside Elite Catcher, to allow them to check each and see what works greatest for them.”

– Ryan Lavarnway, Former Boston Crimson Sox Catcher

Leah Amico received three Olympic gold medals with the U.S. ladies’s nationwide softball crew in 1996, 2000, and 2004. She performed faculty softball on the College of Arizona, the place she was a three-time First Crew All-American and led her crew to a number of NCAA championships. Amico can be a USA Softball Corridor of Fame inductee and has labored in teaching, broadcasting, and motivational talking.​

Leah is at present teaching a number of skilled softball gamers, so she requested 3 skilled softball catchers to offer their opinions on this subject.

Professional Softball Catcher #1

“I must say that not many softball catchers catch on a knee – I personally don’t as a result of I don’t prefer it and it’s tougher to dam a ball that approach.

Throwing to bases might be accomplished both standing or on the knees, simply relying on the arm energy and quickness.

Receiving is at my high as a result of it’s a must to make the pitcher look good then I’d say blocking then throwing.”

Professional Softball Catcher #2

“Framing is the highest precedence as a result of it was what we do 90 p.c of the sport and the way we transfer our physique to get to the pitch for our pitchers.

For the knee down, I don’t purposely put my knee down however with my flexibility I could do it typically – I’d personally by no means educate somebody to catch with their knee down, in our recreation our ball goes up so you do not need to be caught together with your knee down and get caught.

For throwing I’d educate from the ft first and as soon as they’ve accomplished that constantly then I’d educate them throw from their knees. As soon as they know do each than it is going to rely on conditions and the way comfy they’re when throwing from their ft or knees.

Receiving is primary, blocking is a should and throwing is an added plus by placing athletes in an excellent place to maneuver their physique when they don’t have a robust arm.”

​Professional Softball Catcher #3

“I’d say kinda a mix of each – I all the time educate my women that we wish to attempt to make each pitch look the identical for the umpire. So which may imply getting your chest behind each ball and being easy with it, but additionally quiet actions are all the time greatest.”

So there you’ve gotten it.  In their very own phrases, 3 skilled softball catchers weigh in on one-knee stance for softball.  

Hope this helps.

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PS.  This secret sale for catchers ends tonight.

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