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Softball Skill Set: Catcher

In fastpitch softball, just as in baseball, the catcher is one of the most important positions of all.  In order to be a good catcher at the high school level, here are some skills that you ought to possess.

Quick reflexes and mobility
Although catchers are not generally known for their great range, you'll undoubtedly have to have quick reflexes and be able to move around reasonably well behind the plate.  You'll often be going down on your knees to block wild pitches and foul tips, as well as trying to keep incoming throws to the plate in front of you.  In addition, you'll have to be able to jump out of your crouching position to try to field bunts, short pop ups, and foul balls.  Finally, you will have to learn how to lift your mask off quickly and throw it safely away from you as you go after pop ups.  

It should be noted that while some catchers routinely run towards first base after every ground ball hit on the infield in order to backup the throw, it's not a requirement.  That kind of thing is much more common in baseball, where the diamond is bigger and overthrown balls are more likely to still be in play.

Above average arm strength
In high school softball, leadoffs are allowed after the ball leaves the pitchers hand, and runners are permitted to attempt steals at any time thereafter.  As a result, catchers need to have above average arm strength.  The throw from home to second base is very long, but is one that you'll make many times during the course of the average game.  If you gain a reputation for having a strong and accurate arm, other teams might be less willing to try running on you.  In addition, if you have a strong arm, you can make snap throws to first or third base in order to try to catch runners not paying attention.  If you can get a couple of extra outs per game thanks to your arm, you'll become invaluable to your team.

Ability to call pitches
These days, it's not uncommon for softball pitchers at the high school level to have an arsenal of different pitches available to them.  So as a catcher, you're going to have to tell the pitcher what to throw -- just as in baseball.  Since it's unlikely that you'll have access to any kind of scouting report regarding the opposing team's hitters, you'll have to rely on your own softball sense in calling pitches.  Once you've had a chance to see the entire lineup in action, you'll have to try to remember the pitch preference of each hitter and try to call pitches that exploit their weaknesses.  

Leadership skills
The catcher is often the captain of the infield, if not the entire defense.  It will be your responsibility to make sure all of your fielders are playing where their supposed to be and that everyone is ready prior to each pitch.  Your coach might also allow you to decide where the ball should be thrown on the next play if there are runners on base.  You should therefore always be aware of the game situation and not be afraid to call out instructions to your teammates.
  

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