Ask the Experts: Jen Schroeder Talks Catching
Catchers serve one of the most important roles on the softball field. Catchers juggle many different responsibilities while behind the plate. From framing and blocking pitches, to trying to understand the umpires strike zone, to reading hitters, to being a vocal leader under all of the equipment, calling pitches, throwing runners out, making sure the pitcher’s head is in the right place, just to name a few. Behind every great pitcher, there is a great catcher. Pitchers and catchers serve as the team’s core battery. There is so much going on with catchers that people fail to recognize and acknowledge because they get caught up in improving other positions. Nobody knows this better than Jen Schroeder.
We at Fastpitch News have decided to get to the bottom of some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the very important role of catchers.
The following catching questions have been analyzed and answered by Catching Expert Jen Schroeder, who is a former UCLA catcher, one of four talented female instructors who make up the Packaged Deal and owns her own softball training facility in California.
FPN: What’s more important, a catcher with a strong arm or a catcher who can frame and block pitches?
JS: This is such a tough question because I believe in creating well-rounded catchers. Regardless of my catcher’s level (college player or youth), the very first thing we do every workout is a fundamental circuit that includes: Framing, Blocking, Transfers, and Throws. If I HAD to pick one, I think I would choose the better receiver. Great defensive catchers dramatically change the tempo and rhythm of the game.
FPN: Do you support coaches calling games or do you encourage pitchers and catchers to call their own games? What age should this be experimented with?
JS: I think a coach should work with and teach a catcher how to call her own game. I do not think this responsibility should fall solely on one or the other and I think the pitcher should be involved as well. The way a catcher/coach calls a game differs tremendously on the pitcher and I want my catchers to have thought and reasoning behind their pitch calls and sequencing. When everyone is working in unison, the most magical innings happen; everyone can feel that symmetry.
FPN: How many catchers should a team at the younger levels carry? Is having a catcher catch a whole tournament too much? Are there any cautions?
JS: I think at the younger, youth level, a team should carry two primary catchers and have someone who’s secondary position is a catcher, making that three total catchers. I think in pool play games and friendlies a rotation should exist, but come championship time your starting lineup/best catcher should get the majority of the innings.
FPN: What acquired skills make a catcher stand out to a college coach? What should catchers at the younger levels who want to play in college one day be working on? Any specific drills?
JS: I am always interested in this question myself so a few years ago I sent text messages to about 25 college coaches and asked these two things:
- When recruiting a catcher, what is the number one thing you look for?
- When recruiting a catcher, what is the thing you wish you saw more of?
Not one coach commented about a physical skill of the position and every single coach had one answer to both questions. Each coach stressed the importance of the vocal/leadership aspect of the position.
As a catcher, all eight other positions are staring right at us. They feed off our emotions, listen to us, and look to us to lead their defense. I hope my catcher’s stand out for their fearlessness to lead and the way in which they manage the game and their pitchers.
