A catcher’s plan before every pitch

Keep these separate in your head. The count tells you the balls and strikes on this hitter. The outs tell you where your team is in the inning.

After a play finishes, update both. A new hitter starts a new count. If there was one out when the last hitter walked, there’s still one out. Don’t let a long at-bat make you forget what happened before it.

If you’ve lost track, confirm with the umpire between pitches. You don’t need to make a guess and hope it’s right. Know the answer before you move on.

Once the previous play is finished, find the runners. Who’s on first, second, or third? Check what’s actually there instead of remembering where everyone was two pitches ago.

Notice where your teammates are standing, too. Has your coach moved someone? Is everyone ready?

Little League’s catcher guide emphasizes knowing the count, runners, and defensive setup, then communicating clearly. Make that a quick check, not a long look around while your pitcher is starting to throw.

Pick the play your coach wants you ready for. If the hitter bunts, what’s your job? If a runner tries to advance, which teammate is covering the base? If the ball gets away, how does your team handle it?

You don’t need to imagine every possible play. Start with the situation in front of you and the plan you’ve practiced.

For example, with a runner on first, know your team’s plan for a steal attempt before it happens. That doesn’t mean throwing automatically. You still have to handle the pitch and see what’s happening.

A plan in your head isn’t enough if your teammates expect something different. Use the words and signs your coach has taught the team. Keep reminders short and useful.

“Two outs” is clear. A long speech about every possible play isn’t needed. Check that the teammate involved knows the job, especially after a substitution or a change in the defense.

Follow your team’s pitch-calling system, too. If a sign is unclear, use the way your coach taught you to clear it up. Don’t invent a new sign during the inning.

Now get ready for the pitch. Your quick look around should be done before the delivery starts. Turn your attention to your pitcher and the ball.

Knowing there might be a throw doesn’t mean rushing past the catch. Deal with the ball that arrives, then respond to the play you actually see.

Stay involved until the play is finished. A ball returned to the pitcher doesn’t always mean the action is over. When things have settled, update your count, outs, and runners for the next pitch. Keep the routine short enough to use within the normal pace of play.

USA Baseball’s Youth Baseball Manual recommends starting with instruction and a slow walkthrough before full-speed practice. Here’s a simple talking exercise to try with your coach. You don’t need a ball.

1. Start with nobody on and no outs. Say what you’d check before getting ready.
2. Add a runner on first, one out, and a 1–1 count. Explain what you need to know about your team’s plan.
3. Change it to runners on first and third with two outs. Say what changed and ask your coach to check your answer.

Have your coach change one detail and try again. The goal is to notice the new situation and explain your job clearly.