YBE 013: How To Teach Catching (Part 1) with Xan Barksdale

Xan Barksdale of catching-101.com breaks down how to teach catching (in the catcher position) for youth baseball coaches and parents. Just like I split my pitching interview with Travis Kerber into two episodes, I've also split this catching interview with Xan into two episodes also. This episode will be Part 1, and next week will be Part 2. Let me know in the Comments section below whether you prefer these shorter episodes (around 30 min) or the longer episodes (around one hour).

In this 39-minute episode, you'll learn:

what a major league tryout is like
what's wrong with the term "framing"
why be a catcher when the position is so physically demanding
whether catching presents a better opportunity to make it to the big leagues
what age a kid is recommended to consider specializing at catcher
how much politics is involved in the minor leagues with an undrafted catcher
whether to teach catchers to put their arm behind their back when receiving pitches
how to teach the position to 9-12 year olds
what the key physical mechanics of catching
the difference stances involved
the priority of aspects to teach 9-12 year-old catchers, and what to emphasize in practices
whether it's worthwhile to practice throws to second when passed balls & wild pitches are common
whether it's a waste to have a strong catcher if wild pitches are common in your league

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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Miguel

I just found your site and enjoyed your program. I am an assistant coach for a 9U travel team. My son is one of our catchers. He has caught since he was 5, he is now 8 and playing up. I have been looking for solid instruction for him as well as the other catchers on our team and I have to say your show has given me great insight to help me be a better coach. My biggest struggle with this age group is getting them to understand what it is that I am trying to teach and how to get them to do what seems simple in my head. Anything that I can take away from successful coaches that helps me communicate better and instruct correctly is greatly appreciated!
well done!
- Rob Tong
  
  Thanks for the feedback, Miguel. Glad that the show was able to help. I have the same struggles so this helped me too!
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