Finally -a comprehensive total training DVD for catchers! Coach Viramontes begins this excellent DVD with throwing from the knees with an emphasis on getting the ball out of the glove. From the loaded position, players are taught to keep the elbow above the shoulder and incorporate the entire body in the throw. Transferring is the key to the full-speed exchange and throw technique. From the catcher's crouch, Viramontes teaches ball-glove technique, exchanges and pulling the ball out of the glove. When teaching the crouch, Viramontes says the majority of weight should be on the front two-thirds of the feet. Another key is the ability to position the body to catch any kind of pitch. The set up is a fundamental aspect of successful catching and Viramontes covers all of the important elements. Keeping the ball "one step away" is a term used for blocking the pitch. When blocking, players are taught to "see the back of the ball." Teaching points for pop-ups and bunts are also covered, including efficient footwork. A great resource for catchers at all levels!

63 minutes. 2007.

This excellent three-part DVD highlights receiving, blocking and throwing techniques for catchers. Mercadante begins with stretching and flexibility - two big parts of developing good catchers. Drills for stretching hip flexors are catching specific that completely prepare catchers. Mercadante then presents his receiving philosophy for catchers. In receiving Mercadante covers the elements of a good foundation, balance and target. Drills for receiving, including the bare hand drill, ball-in-hand drill, quarter turn and side-to-side drills, are illustrated. To develop good blocking fundamentals, Mercadante discusses blocking the 5 hole and throwing the hip to block. To develop these fundamentals he shows the side-to side drill and the five-ball drill. The third element is throwing. When the ball is caught, players are taught to work it back to his left shoulder, which aids their footwork. Mercadante dissects the jab step - the first movement forward after the catch. Exploding out of the blocks and keeping the weight over the feet are other keys he covers. The fundamentals, skills and drills presented in this DVD lay the foundation for successful catchers.

35 minutes. 2006.

Matt Walbeck's 11-year career in the major leagues is on display on this DVD on the basics of catching. Coach Walbeck begins by discussing the proper stance for catchers. Good stance eliminates reaching and being off balance. Walbeck stresses the importance of setting up in the middle and challenging the hitter to make contact. Skills are taught for throwing back to the pitcher and throwing to second base. Emphasis is placed on the proper footwork, which is the key to these throws. Handling pitchouts are a skill analyzed for both right handed and left handed hitters. To deal with runners on the base, key elements are pointed out that will lead to skill development. Other teaching includes fielding bunts to the third base line, first base and straight on. Walbeck includes the rapid fire drill, which works footwork, positioning, getting the ball quickly out of the glove and throwing. Additional drills are technique drill, soft hands drill, blocking the ball and blocking home plate. Catching pop-ups is covered with the traditional and hockey mask technique. Backing up first base is another key skill covered by Walbeck. Fundamentals are important in catching as in any athletic pursuit, and consistency in catching will aid the pitcher and the umpire.

64 minutes. 2006.

A good catcher must know what his pitcher has on any given day. Coach Walbeck, an 11-year major league catcher, presents a unique look at developing the Pitcher-Catcher relationship. Good communication between the catcher and pitcher before and during the game will lead to greater success. An overall pitching plan is devised between the coach, pitcher and the catcher. Topics to discuss are reviewing signs and different counts you will encounter during the game. During the game, a major duty of the catcher is to visit the mound and settle down the pitcher in tough situations. Communicating signals is another important job of a good catcher. In addition, Walbeck talks about the value of the back-up catcher and how to keep him ready to play at all times. Developing good catchers will help your team win more games and will help the development of good pitchers too!

30 minutes. 2006.

Matt Walbeck's 11-year career in the major leagues is on display on this DVD on the basics of catching. Coach Walbeck begins by discussing the proper stance for catchers. Good stance eliminates reaching and being off balance. Walbeck stresses the importance of setting up in the middle and challenging the hitter to make contact. Skills are taught for throwing back to the pitcher and throwing to second base. Emphasis is placed on the proper footwork, which is the key to these throws. Handling pitchouts are a skill analyzed for both right handed and left handed hitters. To deal with runners on the base, key elements are pointed out that will lead to skill development. Other teaching includes fielding bunts to the third base line, first base and straight on. Walbeck includes the rapid fire drill, which works footwork, positioning, getting the ball quickly out of the glove and throwing. Additional drills are technique drill, soft hands drill, blocking the ball and blocking home plate. Catching pop-ups is covered with the traditional and hockey mask technique. Backing up first base is another key skill covered by Walbeck. Fundamentals are important in catching as in any athletic pursuit, and consistency in catching will aid the pitcher and the umpire.

64 minutes. 2006.

LD-02677B: with Matt Walbeck,
Texas Rangers (MLB) Third Base Coach;
Baseball America 2007 Minor League Manager of the Year,
2007 Eastern League Manager of the Year;
former Erie SeaWolves (AA) manager (Detroit Tigers affiliate and West Michigan Whitecaps Manager;
2X Midwest League Champions (Class A)

A good catcher must know what his pitcher has on any given day. Coach Walbeck, an 11-year major league catcher, presents a unique look at developing the Pitcher-Catcher relationship. Good communication between the catcher and pitcher before and during the game will lead to greater success. An overall pitching plan is devised between the coach, pitcher and the catcher. Topics to discuss are reviewing signs and different counts you will encounter during the game. During the game, a major duty of the catcher is to visit the mound and settle down the pitcher in tough situations. Communicating signals is another important job of a good catcher. In addition, Walbeck talks about the value of the back-up catcher and how to keep him ready to play at all times. Developing good catchers will help your team win more games and will help the development of good pitchers too!

30 minutes. 2006.

LD-02677C: with Matt Walbeck,
Texas Rangers (MLB) Third Base Coach;
Baseball America 2007 Minor League Manager of the Year,
2007 Eastern League Manager of the Year;
former Erie SeaWolves (AA) manager (Detroit Tigers affiliate and West Michigan Whitecaps Manager;
2X Midwest League Champions (Class A)

Coach Walbeck presents his ideas for developing the necessary strength to be a successful baseball player. 'Training with a purpose' is crucial for maximum strength. The physio ball is a valuable exercise tool for baseball. The ball is used for crunches, which strengthens the stomach, gluts and back muscles. The hamstring exercise works on balance and stabilization. Another exercise that strengthens the lower back and gluts is the "Superman" drill. The simple foam roller can be used to stretch the IT band in your leg. By rolling your thigh over the roller, your knees, back and arm will benefit. The spin stretch is executed by using the foam roller also. Balance is enhanced by working with the Erickson balance pad. Dumbbell exercises are shown to strengthen shoulders, arms and biceps. These exercises can help any player with his throwing ability. Leg weights, rubber tubing and medicine ball exercises can be incorporated into this workout routine. Other important stretches are the hip flexor, glut stretch, groin stretch, sleeper stretch and hamstring stretch. The skill of running, both distance and sprint work, is necessary for all baseball players. Baseball players can increase their talent level by properly working with this stretch program by major-league veteran Matt Walbeck.

32 minutes. 2006.