We are going to field all plays at the plate like they are "do or die" plays. That means that we want to use our glove to catch all of them and we should not use our bodies to block the ball in this drill. You may do that during a game if the situation calls for it, but in this drill we are working on improving our skills with the mitt. The best time to practice plays at the plate is during infield/outfield. Here we get realistic throws from the outfield and we get to see how the surface is playing that day (does the ball bounce high, skip low, take a big divot, etc.). This can be one of the most exciting plays in all of baseball, but it can also be very difficult if not practiced enough!

Chapter 1 - Force Plays at the Plate

When we are practicing our force plays at the plate, we will field the ball two different ways. If the ball is hit to the corners of the infield, we will receive it similar to a first baseman with our right foot on home plate. If the throw is coming from the middle of the field (SS, P, 2B) we will start behind the plate, catch the ball, then drag our foot across home plate. We do this to create some distance between ourselves and the first base line. We want to clear ourselves of the baserunner going to first so that there is no chance we throw it into his body and the ball ricochets into foul territory or the outfield. If we do not have a chance to make a force out at first, we should give a full arm fake and look to 3B hoping to catch the runner making too large of a turn.

Chapter 2 - Tag Plays at the Plate

The catcher stands in front of home plate while the coach/partner hits balls toward him with a fungo. We use a fungo because we get a realistic bounce, similar to an outfielder throwing the ball home. The coach/partner should hit from all parts of the infield to simulate throws coming from all parts of the outfield.

Chapter 3 - Getting Run Over

Hopefully we won't get run over until we enter the professional ranks, but it is important to know how to take a hit safely. The coach/partner will hold one ball in his throwing hand and will jog down the third base line. The catcher should have to field the ball on the bounce and then apply the tag. The timing of the bounce should make the play difficult for the catcher. At all times, the catcher should try to stay lower than the baserunner coming home. As the catcher gets hit, he should try to shift his weight from the balls of his feet to his heels. This will cause him to roll back and absorb the hit as opposed to standing firmly and risk being seriously injured.