Catcher/Key Attributes
Image via WikipediaThe Key Position
Catcher is second only to pitcher in Little League , yet it is often the most underdeveloped position of them all. The catcher must have a very strong arm, a quick snap throw, cat-like pouncing skills, a tough demeanor, preferably baseball smarts, and a willingness to be bruised.
The old days of putting the big kid behind the plate are over. The catcher must be fast to retrieve passed balls and able to hop quickly left and right to block errant ones. Likewise, they have to be able to pop up and field bunts and swinging bunts without hitting the runner in the back.
Accuracy Counts
Catchers should have an accurate and strong arm. They often have to catch and immediately throw to second or third to nail a stealing runner. Likewise, they pretty much have to be right handed . You can get away w/ a left handed catcher in Little League, but it will make stealing third an option for the offense whereas a right handed catcher typically eliminates this option.
Key Characteristics
Here are some characteristics of a good pitcher:
- Right Handed
- Baseball Smart
- Strong Arm
- Dedicated
- Accurate
- Cat-Like quickness
- Solid throwing fundamentals
A catcher that can block balls in the dirt, eliminate the steal from the offense, and live bumped and bruised at all times can be a major asset to a team.
Can you think of any other valuable characteristics a catcher should have? Please share them.
Pitcher/Key Attributes
Image via Wikipedia
Most Important Player on the Team
The pitcher is the most important player on the team. In fact, a team needs as many pitchers as possible! In Little League especially, it is important for a team to have at least six pitchers. With the new pitch count limits, the whole dynamic of the game has changed.
Accuracy Counts
It is nice to have an overpowering pitcher that can throw very hard. But, this pitcher will likely not be able to complete the game. That said, this is a nice characteristic of a pitcher, but more important is someone that can throw accurately.
Key Characteristics
Here are some characteristics of a good pitcher:
- Intelligent
- Strong
- Dedicated
- Accurate
- Solid throwing fundamentals
A pitcher that can consistently hit locations is very valuable. Work on hitting locations and basic fundamentals with pitchers. Development is key, it takes about a year to truly develop a pitcher for the major leagues . Patience is key here.
Can you think of any other valuable characteristics a pitcher should have? Please share them.
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