The Foundation of Elite Receiving

The primary stance is the catcher’s home base. It is where every pitch begins and where the catcher earns strikes before the ball ever hits the glove. A great primary stance provides a large, quiet target for the pitcher while giving the catcher the balance, leverage, and freedom to receive and frame pitches efficiently and consistently.

This chapter breaks down the primary stance into simple, coachable pieces. When taught and trained correctly, this stance becomes effortless, repeatable, and adaptable to the individual athlete.

Priority of the Primary Stance

Primary Goal: Provide a large, quiet stance that maximizes the catcher’s ability to receive and frame pitches effectively.

A good primary stance should:

• Present a stable, still target for the pitcher

• Allow subtle glove movement rather than exaggerated actions

• Keep the catcher balanced and athletic

• Reduce unnecessary movement and wasted energy

Quiet bodies steal strikes.

Balance & Comfort: The Base

Everything starts from the ground up.

Foot Position

• Set up with a wide, stable base

• Feet should be flat from heel to toe, applying pressure along the inside edge of each foot

• A simple check: you should be able to slide your fingers under the outside edge of each cleat or shoe

This foot pressure creates stability without locking the lower half. The catcher should feel grounded, not rigid.

Toe Angle

• Left foot: pointed between the 3rd baseman and shortstop

• Right foot: pointed between the 1st baseman and 2nd baseman

These angles open the hips and allow the catcher to sink comfortably while staying athletic.

Coaching Note: The exact toe angle will vary. Ankle, knee, and hip mobility differ from player to player. The goal is comfort, balance, and freedom of movement—not forcing a uniform look.

Hips, Knees, and Posture

Hip Depth

• Sink the hips below the knees

• This creates a lower center of gravity and a larger receiving window

Chest Position

• Keep the chest in front of the toes

• Keep the chest behind the knees

This alignment keeps the catcher stacked and balanced, allowing them to absorb the ball smoothly rather than fighting it.

Knee Drive Cue

When squatting down, imagine:

• Driving the knees over the big toe

• Not outside the foot

This keeps the hips in an athletic position and allows the catcher to move fluidly left and right when receiving pitches on the edges.

Common Mistake: Knees collapsing inward or drifting outside the feet, which compromises balance and lateral movement.

Throwing Hand Safety & Positioning

The throwing hand must be protected without sacrificing balance or mobility.

Approved Hand Positions

The throwing hand should be in one of two locations only:

1. Thumb tucked inside the shoe on the arm side

   • Keeps the hand safe from foul tips and balls in the dirt

   • Promotes a relaxed shoulder position

2. Resting on the back hip

   • Positioned between the back pocket and side seam of the pants

   • Allows quick, efficient movement when transitioning

What NOT to Do

Do not wrap the hand and tuck it behind the back.

This position:

• Places unnecessary stress on the shoulder

• Restricts movement

• Compromises balance and posture

Safe does not mean stiff.

Upper Body Alignment

Glove-Side Elbow

• The glove-side elbow should rest in front of the glove-side knee

This connection stabilizes the glove path and reduces excess movement at the point of reception.

Glove Position

• Glove should be below the knees, but not touching the ground

• Thumb should point toward the belly button

This creates a natural, upward angle for receiving the ball and allows the catcher to work up through the pitch rather than around it.

Coaching Cue: Let the ball travel into the glove. Don’t reach for it.

Key Coaching Cues at a Glance

• “Wide, quiet base.”

• “Pressure on the inside edge of your feet.”

• “Chest over toes, behind knees.”

• “Knees over big toes.”

• “Protect the throwing hand—don’t hide it.”

• “Glove below the knees, thumb to belly button.”

Final Thoughts

The primary stance is not about looking perfect—it’s about function. When balance, comfort, and posture are aligned, the catcher can receive the baseball with confidence and subtlety.

Master the stance, and everything else—receiving, framing, blocking, and throwing—gets easier.

This is where elite catching begins.