How to teach a kid to be a catcher.

Some kids light up when they put on the catcher's gear for the first time. Catcher is the busiest spot on the field, and it is a great job for a kid who likes to be in the action. Here is how to start safely and simply.

Catcher gear: fit and safety first

Gear is not optional for a catcher, and it has to fit. Loose gear slides around and leaves gaps. Keep the checklist simple:

• Helmet and mask: snug, no wobble when they shake their head, and they can see clearly.
• Chest protector: covers the chest and belly without hanging past the waist.
• Shin guards: knee cap over the knee, the bottom covering the top of the foot, and they can still squat.
• Cup for boys: an athletic cup every time they catch.
• Catcher's mitt: one they can open and close. Many young kids need a smaller youth mitt.

Check your league's rules for required catcher equipment. Any time a child receives real pitches, the full gear goes on. Ask the coach or league if you are not sure something fits.

Before each session, do a quick 30-second gear check together: buckles tight, straps snug, mask on straight. Make it your child's job. A catcher who checks their own gear is already thinking like a leader.

The two catcher stances

Catchers use two stances, and knowing when to use each one is the first lesson.

Practice the switch as a game. Call "nobody on" or "runner on" and have them pop into the right stance. Five calls, then a water break. Squatting is tiring, so let them stand and stretch often.

What to look for in a good stance: balanced, not tipping forward onto the toes; mitt arm relaxed with the elbow outside the knee; and able to pop up quickly. If they fall over when you give a gentle tap on the shoulder, widen the feet a little.

Receiving: a still target and soft hands

A catcher's first job is to catch the pitch. A steady, visible glove gives the pitcher something to aim at.

1. Show the target: mitt open and still, out in front of the body, not tucked against the chest.
2. Wait for the ball: let it come to the mitt rather than stabbing at it.
3. Catch and hold: squeeze and hold the catch for a second.
4. Back to ready: get the ball out and back to the pitcher quickly.

Start on the knees or in a stance from a short distance with soft, underhand tosses. Ten tosses, a quick rest, ten more. If your child is still learning to catch a thrown ball, start with our guide on how to teach a kid to catch first.

Watch for flinching or closing the eyes. That is normal early on and usually means the ball is coming too fast or from too far. Move closer, soften the toss, and let confidence build before you speed anything up.

Then play Stick It. Every catch held still for a one-count is a point for your catcher. A drop or a jumpy mitt is a point for you. First to 10 wins. Kids love beating a parent, and they learn to quiet the mitt without a single lecture.

Blocking: soft balls only to start

Blocking means keeping a low pitch in front of you. It feels scary at first, so we build it slowly and safely.

Here are the mistakes we see most, and the quick fix for each:

• Reaching with the mitt: the body has to get there, not just the glove. Drop the knees first.
• Turning the head: chin tucked, eyes on the ball. The mask is there for a reason.
• Staying up on the toes: get low and wide so the ball hits the chest protector.
• Popping up too fast: find the ball first, then get up and get it.

• Dry blocks: from the stance, drop to the knees with the mitt between the legs, chin tucked. No ball. Five slow reps.
• Soft-ball blocks: roll or gently bounce a foam or soft ball in front of them from a few steps away.
• Keep it in front: the goal is not to catch the ball, just to keep it close.
• Stop sign: no blocking hard balls without full gear and trained supervision.

Make it a game: one point for every ball that stays within a step of them. Keep blocking sessions short. They are hard on knees and legs.

Leadership: talking to the pitcher and the team

Catchers see the whole field. Even a 9-year-old can help the team by using their voice.

• Before the pitch: hold up fingers and call the number of outs.
• To the pitcher: short, calm words. "Nice and easy." "Right here."
• After a walk or a miss: a quick visit or a thumbs-up helps the pitcher reset.
• On plays: point and call where the ball should go.

Put it all together in a 15-minute catcher session at home. Short and regular wins, because squatting wears kids out.

After a couple of weeks, look for a still mitt and no flinching on soft tosses. After about six weeks, look for fast stance switches and a voice that comes out without a reminder. That is a catcher.

The free Catching Intro Course walks you through gear fit, receiving, safe blocking and communication in seven short lessons. For the next step, Catcher Leadership Lab ($49) is our 16-session Level 2 catching program for receiving, protective habits and running the field.

What to do this week

Do a gear-fit check together. Then practice the stance switch game and ten soft tosses on two different days, finishing with five soft-ball blocks.