Defense is 50% of the game, and many would say that the best offense is a good defense!
As an athlete, there are so many character traits that go into a strong defensive player; but simply knowing how to compose yourself, how to use your voice, or what to do in a situation doesn’t make you a well-rounded leader.
You also have to know your teammates on defense!
Their strengths, their weaknesses, their tendencies… like the back of your hand!
Knowing who you are working with ensures you can…
✅ effectively execute plays
✅ anticipate ahead of time what could possibly go well
✅ OR… plan for what could go wrong!
Here are 4 non-negotiable items you MUST know about your defense before stepping in a live situation!
Non-Negotiable #1: KNOW THEIR ARMS
The strength of their arms, the spins you’ll most often receive, their tendencies to throw beautiful one hoppers or those dodgy short hops! How to do this? Rotate throwing partners every time you warm up in practices throughout the week or before games so you can get to know each teammate’s tendency & anticipate how to better call the game!
Non-Negotiable #2: KNOW *THEIR* LEADERSHIP ABILITIES
We’ve all been there before – the painful silence of a quiet defense. It’s MISERABLE…and it leaves a lot of responsibility on us. Having a quiet infield and outfield = *US* needing to step up even more as a vocal leader! On the flip side, if we have a defense filled with lots of confident & capable leaders who communicate with each other, this will allow for us to be able to focus on our pitcher more and calling plays as they go!
Non-Negotiable #3: KNOW THEIR ATTITUDES
One of the hardest parts of stepping fully into your role as a team leader is understanding what makes each teammate tick. How one teammate responds to an error is not going to be the same with another teammate. While some teammates can be told directly that they need to get to second base to cover your steal throw faster… others may hold a grudge for a year. Knowing how to help them show up as their best self is a delicate game we have to learn as catchers. Establishing a solid foundation built on mutual trust and respect opens the door for you to get to know HOW your teammates will likely respond in a certain situation, and therefore help you effectively lead.
Non-Negotiable #4: KNOW YOUR IF>>THEN SCENARIOS
If >> Thens = If the ball is hit _____ (location) >> THEN, the play is ______ (location). Knowing your situation BEFORE you call a pitch not only needs to be played out in your head, but it also needs to be effectively COMMUNICATED with your defense! When communicating the if >>then scenarios to your defense, I like to remember the “BASE AHEAD” general rules according to the lead runner: 1 ahead if it’s caught in the air, 2 ahead if it is a base hit, and 3 ahead if it gets by the outfielder.
Remember… a good athlete can physically perform the skills necessary in the position.
A GREAT athlete is SMART!