Catch & Pop is a Quick Defense drill to drill the athletic movement of an infielder catching and getting rid of the ball. This movement is used all over the field and so a quick review is beneficial. The true emphasis of this drill is the feet, as well as the “load” of the back leg. We want to introduce or reinforce this baseball-athleticism movement so we can use it during instruction and drills later in the season.

EXECUTION – Athlete receives the baseball, “pops” feet to throwing / power position, and then tosses ball back and and resets to receiving stance (feet outside shoulder, knees bent, glove up – thumbs together). Each athlete receives four Catch & Pop tosses, then rotates. Go through line 3-4 times.

DC KEYS

1. Loaded / Power Position – Feel the burn of the back leg as the body weight engages over the backside. The loaded/power position is used all over the field – hitters, pitchers, catchers, infielders, and outfielders. DC believes it to be the most important position in baseball, learning to use body to make a baseball move
2. Tempo – slow early, catch first, “stay behind baseball”, poor throws result from hands dragging behind feet
3. Modify – Add movement, ground balls, etc.

EQUIPMENT LIST