Pop-Up Fundamentals
Dugout Master ✓ Official Dugout Master drill
Catchers practice removing the mask, locating the ball, establishing position, and making the catch safely.
Catching⏱ 10 min👥 2-6 players
Setup
Catcher in full gear behind a home plate, with open space and no obstacles for at least fifteen feet in every direction. Coach uses a fungo, a tennis-ball launcher, or a hand throw straight up. Clear bats and buckets out of the area first.
Execution
- Coach pops the ball straight up behind or beside the plate.
- Catcher turns their back to the infield and finds the ball before doing anything else.
- Catcher takes the mask off with the throwing hand but holds it until the ball is located.
- Catcher throws the mask well clear of the landing spot, moves under the ball, and catches it above the head with two hands.
- Ten reps, mixing pops to the first-base side, the third-base side, and straight back.
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