Catching - proper framing technique
Question
Hi, I am coaching freshman girls softball. I used to be a catcher in both HS and college......but it has been about 10 years since I've played. This is my first coaching experience. I want to teach my catcher the proper framing technique. I was taught to keep my elbow out on the inside corner pitch (to a right handed batter). My catcher claims she was told by another catcher (who sees a "catching coach" for lessons) that she should keep her elbow in and turn her wrist out to frame the plate. This seems strange to me and I can't seem to find the information anywhere. Can you help?? Thanks! Dawn
Answer
I never really considered the elbow position. I've always taught framing as a subtle movement (rotation) of the wrist that moves borderline pitched balls towards the strike zone. This slight movement occurs just as you catch the ball. The keywords here is slight and smooth.
Softball article on framing:
http://www.girls-softball.com/2006/04/framing-pitch.html
It's baseball but still good info:
http://www.baseballtips.com/framing.html
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