CATCHER (Softball and Baseball) “ROOKIE” TRAINING - Dec 28th
CHRISTMAS break 2022 – Wednesday, 12/28 from Noon to 2pm
TOP GUN Sykesville – www.TopGunBall.com
CATCHER (Softball and Baseball)
“ROOKIE” TRAINING
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SUMMARY.
This very unique clinic is focused on the low-to-no experienced catcher! Basic instruction on each of
the three fundamental Skills (10 minutes), followed by small group practice sessions (30 minutes). Bring
a glove or mitt. If you have gear, bring it... if not, equipment will be available. Follow-up training is
provided at TOP GUN each Sunday 1-2pm.
“Catching4Kids – small targets”
The training / instruction is based on Rick Straub’s catchers guide. A print copy is included in your
enrollment fee of $100.
Skills and Drills.
An Introductory two-hour clinic with the focus on basic instructions and training (KISS). Instructions for
the beginner catcher (softball and baseball) who wants to ably perform, get better... build a foundation to
expand, improve and grow. Each technique is demonstrated, then drills are presented to reinforce each
skill.
RECEIVING– three stances (signaling, relaxed, ready)
● Signaling and game control
● Relaxed- to expand the strike zone
● Ready- to block and throw the ball
BLOCKING– is NOT catching the ball
● Stopping and controlling the ball in the dirt
● How to spring-up from knees
● Scoop/ rake the ball using glove and hand
THROWING– to bases (first, second, third)
● Strengthen your mechanics- footwork and arm slot
● Transfer the ball from glove to hand
● Focus on your release, velocity and accuracy
● Learn the differences in the throw to third base
Parents love this training ...
Thought you did an amazing job working with the kids. You spoke to them at a level they
could understand, kept them involved, and made sure each of them fully understood before
moving on to the next skill. I would highly recommend your clinic to others and look forward
to Chase attending more in the future.
-Ken S.
I want to first start off by telling you how much I appreciate you taking what you
know/learned over the year from all of your vast experiences and being able to instruct in
such a way to get through to your students. You gave those boys and girls something to take
home with them and use for the rest of their baseball/individual lives. You had my attention
the whole time and I was just a spectator on the sidelines. Great Job! Youth sports needs
more folks like yourself to promote good sound fundamentals.
-Sean M.
My daughter Kat attended one of your clinics a couple weeks ago and I just wanted to thank
you for the outstanding instruction. As a 12U catcher on a travel team, Kat can sometimes
get a little distracted during longer sessions. You had the perfect demeanor and instructive
style that kept her in the game the entire time (three hours total). The student to coach ratio
was excellent. Overall, I am very pleased with the instruction and the effect it has had on
Kat. I have highly recommended your classes and Kat can't wait till this weekend for
another session. Thank you and well done!
-Michael W.
Thank you once again for sharing your valued experience in teaching our boys the finer
aspects of catching! Please consider the idea of recording one of your clinic sessions to
preserve your legacy! Appreciatively,
- Miguel M. MD
Thanks, Rick. You have a rare gift and are a treasure to the game. I've been coaching youth
football and baseball for six years and I was learning things from you within the first three
minutes of the clinic. Andrew enjoyed your approach to coaching and told me he "learned so
much." I'm so grateful Jay found and invited you, because he needed that foundation.
- Lenwood F.
If you want invaluable, irreplaceable knowledge from someone who knows what they're
talking about, Rick is your guy. Every catcher in our area should take in one or two or many
of Rick's catching sessions! Rick talked to our kids on their level to bring them to the next.
The hand and foot work that my kids were shown in their sessions with Rick was priceless.
- Darlene Z.