5 Things Every Catcher Must Do to Separate Themselves

When it comes to catching, there are two types of players: The ones who survive, and the ones who stand out.

If you want to be the one coaches can’t take out of the lineup — the one pitchers trust — the one recruiters notice — you need to separate yourself from the pack. And that starts with mastering the basics at a level most players aren't willing to.

Here are 5 things every serious catcher needs to do:

1. Own the Low Strike

Catchers who consistently steal low strikes change the game.The difference between a 1-2 count and a 2-1 count? It's everything.

Work every day on keeping your pocket under the ball, giving a strong but relaxed target, and letting the ball pull your glove up — not jabbing at it.

Tip: Start late. Stop fast.

2. Get Rid of the Ball, Fast and Clean

Transfers are where pop times are won and lost. It's not about throwing harder — it's about getting the ball to your hand as quickly and cleanly as possible.

Every time the ball hits your glove — even in warmups — treat it like a transfer rep.

Tip: Work glove-to-hand movements every single day, even without throwing.

3. Be an Extension of Your Pitcher

Good catchers catch pitches. Great catchers catch games.

Learn what your pitchers are good at. Know their best pitch, their worst pitch, and how they react when things go sideways.Your job is to pull the best out of them — not just set up and hope for the best.

Tip: Study your teammates. Be their catcher, not just a catcher.

4. Move Like an Athlete, Not a Robot

Mobility is everything behind the plate. You need strong hips, flexible ankles, a durable spine, and quick hands.

If you move stiff or heavy, you’ll get exposed. If you move smooth, you control the game.

Tip: Train mobility just like you train receiving and blocking. It's not extra — it’s required.

5. Toughness First, Always

You will get beat up. You will get blamed for things that aren't your fault. You will have to battle through games when your body’s shot.

Mental toughness is what separates elite catchers from everyone else. Composure under fire, leading without excuses, grinding even when no one is watching; that's the separator.

Tip: Every hard moment is an opportunity to build your toughness. Don’t waste it.

Bottom line: Catching isn’t about being flashy. It’s about doing the small things better than everyone else, every single day.

Want to take your catching game to the next level?

Check out my Catchers Mindset Blueprint Program https://tinyurl.com/GulinoBaseballCMB and start separating yourself today.