Primary Stance
Primary Stance
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:
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
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.