The Catcher’s Handbook

The position of catcher in baseball requires a broad set of physical and mental skills. This handbook, by a former catcher, offers precise advice on everything one needs to succeed behind the plate at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. Drawing on real-life scenarios, it addresses nearly every situation a catcher could ever encounter.
In addition to the mechanics of catching, blocking, picking, throwing, and catching pop-ups, topics include choosing the right gear; developing a relationship with the umpire; how to call a great game; when to call a pick-off; how to get runners out or keep them from advancing; making the tag at the plate; how to carry yourself like a team leader; injury prevention and other issues.
With tips and drills designed to improve specific skills, this guide is indispensable for any catcher looking to up his game.

Conor Kelley is a recognized authority on catching and has established himself as one of baseball’s premier catching instructors. Based out of Seattle, he is the catching coach for Honda Baseball Club and the founder of Kelley Catching LLC, which offers private lessons, camps and consulting for high school and college programs, as well as online resources at www.kelleycatching.com.

Conor Kelley
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 172
Bibliographic Info: 21 photos, index
Copyright Date: 2014
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7938-2
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1722-0
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents


Acknowledgments  v

Introduction  1

1. Gear Up  9

2. Calling a Great Game  17

3. Catching the Baseball  31

4. Keeping the Ball in Front  57

5. Getting Out of the Crouch  75

6. Letting It Fly  96

7. Four, Four!  120

8. Carrying Yourself  135

9. Winning  158

Index  161

“useful for players at different levels…high school, college, and professional…a welcome addition”—ARBA; “Kelley…offers advice on every aspect of the catcher’s game…a vivid description of a game from the catcher’s perspective…beneficial to players at any level of the game”—ProtoView; “Conor is one of the best catching teachers in the game. His passion for baseball, knowledge of catching, and ability to translate information into action to help teach the game is impressive. This is an absolute must read for aspiring catchers and coaches.”—Brian Kitamura, Whitman College Head Coach; “Having the knowledge and tools to develop the catching position is one of the most crucial aspects in coaching the game of baseball. The Catcher’s Handbook not only provides the road map for what it takes, but most importantly what it means to be a successful catcher.”—Dan Spain, Clarke University Head Coach; “The Catcher’s Handbook is a vital piece of our catcher’s reading library. It is very well written and has some outstanding drills and ideas for each of our catchers to think about.”—Craig Driver, Yale University Catching Coach; “I loved the book! Great reference for an intermediate/high level player. I’d suggest this book to anyone wanting to compete beyond high school. If you want to learn, teach the art of catching please buy this book.”—Shane Schellsmidt, Tampa Bay Rays Associate Scout; The Catcher’s Handbook is a thorough read that covers all topics of the catching position. Conor does an amazing job of breaking down the specifics of several aspects of the position and it is a must read for anyone wanting to learn more about catching!”—Eddie Smith, Lower Columbia College Head Coach.