Catchers Training

The Northwest Nationals Catchers Program is a specialized training track designed to develop elite-level catchers across all age groups within the Northwest Nationals organization. Built on modern catching philosophy, position-specific conditioning, and high-repetition skill development, the program focuses on preparing athletes to excel in the three primary pillars of catching: Receiving, Blocking, and Throwing, while also emphasizing leadership, communication, and game management.

Program Features:

• Small Group Sizes: Ensuring athletes receive individual attention for their development.

• Integration with NWN x Gunderson Pitcher Program: Catchers will have the opportunity to received live pitching throughout the program for game-like practice.

• Elite Coaching Staff: Led by Jake Rodriguez (former Oregon State catcher and coach, 2013 MLB Draft – Houston Astros) .

Progressive Development:

• Advanced Receiving Work: Focus on efficient glove path, pocket awareness, and consistent pitch presentation.

• Customized Stance Development: Teaching proper primary and secondary stances tailored to each athlete.

• Complete Defensive Coverage: Blocking, throwing mechanics to all bases, bunt defense, tag plays, and pop-ups behind the plate.

• Mobility & Arm Care: Each session includes proper warm-up, mobility, and arm care routines specific to catchers.

• Game-Like Reps: Situational drills to prepare catchers for real-game scenarios.

• Footwork & Transitions: Emphasis on clean footwork patterns for throwdowns and situational movement.

• Leadership & Communication: Teaching the importance of vocal presence, mound visits, and managing the game from behind the plate.

• Pitcher-Catcher Synergy: Training on building rapport with pitchers, understanding tendencies, calling pitches, and guiding in-game strategy.