Catching Lessons

The Northwest Nationals Catching Lessons provide specialized, position-specific training designed to develop complete, confident catchers. Led by Jake Rodriguez, former Oregon State catcher and coach and a 2013 MLB Draft selection by the Houston Astros, each lesson combines modern catching techniques, high-quality repetitions, and individualized instruction.

Training focuses on the three primary pillars of catching: Receiving, Blocking, and Throwing—while also developing the athleticism, communication, leadership, and game awareness required to command the position behind the plate.

Training Focus:

• Receiving: Efficient glove path, pocket awareness, pitch presentation, and consistency throughout the strike zone.

• Blocking: Proper positioning, angles, body control, recovery, and keeping the baseball in front.

• Throwing: Quick transfers, efficient footwork, arm action, accuracy, and controlling the running game.

• Stance & Mobility: Developing effective primary and secondary stances along with catcher-specific mobility and movement.

• Footwork & Defense: Training for throwdowns, bunts, tags, pop-ups, and other defensive responsibilities.

• Game Management: Building relationships with pitchers, understanding situations, mound communication, and managing the game.

• Leadership & Communication: Developing the confidence, presence, and communication necessary to lead from behind the plate.

• Game-Like Repetitions: Applying skills through competitive and situational drills that translate directly to game performance.

Each lesson is designed around the individual catcher’s needs, providing focused instruction and progressive development to help athletes become more skilled, athletic, confident, and dependable behind the plate.