Maybe I am nieve but I am watching the Tenn-Fla game that I recored on DVR. The Tenn catcher looks into the dugout for the signs then has to look at her wrist for what sign was called! It seems to me that taking all that time doesn't keep the pitcher in rhythm. Are the signgs that complicated in college that she needs to look at her wrist after getting the sign from the bench?
Pitching signs
- Thread starter coachtucc
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Pretty much. And she certainly can't make a mistake.
Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Pet peeve warning!! Calling pitches from the bench absolutely kills the flow of the game. And as a defensive bonus, takes the catcher, who potentially can be another on field coach, out of the game mentally and turns them into a dedicated messenger.
If I didn't know better, I would conclude that these college coaches must be smarter than their MLB counterparts. However, the real root of the problem IMO is that the vast majority of youth/TB/HS coaches don't know how to call a game and/or don't let and/or teach their catchers how to call a game so that the catchers have no experience at it when they get to the college level. Very few coaches understand that a catcher-pitch combo on the same page and in synch can be so much more effective.
If I didn't know better, I would conclude that these college coaches must be smarter than their MLB counterparts. However, the real root of the problem IMO is that the vast majority of youth/TB/HS coaches don't know how to call a game and/or don't let and/or teach their catchers how to call a game so that the catchers have no experience at it when they get to the college level. Very few coaches understand that a catcher-pitch combo on the same page and in synch can be so much more effective.
CoachGene72
Can Talk Softball all day
I agree GM, I try to teach DD and her catchers how to call a game. They have a better view of blues strike zone than the coaches in the dug out. The catcher should be the coach on the field directing traffic.
- Dec 25, 2010
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While i agree with most of your post, there are alot of MLB coaches that call pitches
Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Based on? I think that most of the times you see the C only looks to the dugout w/ runners on (1B usually) and is getting a running game sign i.e., pick off, pitchout rather than pitch calling. Rookies or a C unfamiliar w/ a new pitcher may be an exception.
Has anyone ever noticed whether a NPF catcher calls the game or is she looking to the coaches?
I think that is more of an apple to apple analogy.
I think that is more of an apple to apple analogy.
Train your catchers to call the game. I like to start off by trading innings with them. I talk to them about paying attention to the pitchers pitches. What's working? What's not working? What's the umpire calling? I also talk to them about what pitches and locations work best for hitter's tenancies. Are they up in the box, back in the box, hugging the plate, dropping their hands, holding the bat high. Each one has a percentage of pitches and locations that work best. Runners on base? Where at? That also effects where you want the pitch location. Working with catchers and pitchers to teach them this is part of the game strategy.
I feel we need to stop taking the game from the players and start teaching them the game. It also makes it more enjoyable for them. And when they succeed, it makes it more enjoyable for me. I had a 12U catcher a few years back who's eyes just lit up when I told her she was going to get to call the game. To me, that's what the game is about. Many times we place too much value on winning and aren't willing to gamble by teaching them how to play.
That's my 2¢ worth, anyway.
I feel we need to stop taking the game from the players and start teaching them the game. It also makes it more enjoyable for them. And when they succeed, it makes it more enjoyable for me. I had a 12U catcher a few years back who's eyes just lit up when I told her she was going to get to call the game. To me, that's what the game is about. Many times we place too much value on winning and aren't willing to gamble by teaching them how to play.
That's my 2¢ worth, anyway.
Every player on Florida's team is wearing them. It for a lot more than just the pitch calling.
