Athletic Readiness for Game Control

The secondary stance is where receiving meets responsibility. While the primary stance is built to steal strikes, the secondary stance is designed to handle the game in motion. It allows the catcher to continue prioritizing the pitcher and strike presentation while staying athletic enough to block, throw, and manage the basepaths.

As Jerry Weinstein reminds us:

“The stance must allow the catcher to do everything, not just receive the pitch.”

This stance is not lower — it’s more athletic. It trades depth for mobility and prepares the catcher for the moments when chaos is most likely to occur.

Priority of the Secondary Stance

Primary Goal: Maintain a quality receiving position while being fully prepared to block, throw, and control the running game.

A good secondary stance should:

• Continue to prioritize the pitcher and strike presentation (TMTKTMTTMT)

• Keep the catcher visually connected to the basepaths

• Protect against DROP 3rd STRIKES

• Allow immediate movement on pitches in the dirt

• Preserve balance and athleticism under pressure

The secondary stance is about options, not compromise.

Balance & Athleticism: The Base

Everything still starts from the ground up — but with movement in mind.

Foot Position

• Feet set slightly wider than the primary stance

• Flat from heel to toe with pressure on the inside edge of each foot

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

This base creates stability without locking the catcher into the ground.

Toe Angle

• Left foot pointed just left of the 2nd base bag

• Right foot pointed between the 1B and 2B defenders

These angles pre-load the lower half for quick transitions into blocks or throws.

Coaching Note:
Toe angles will vary. Ankle, knee, and hip mobility differ from catcher to catcher. The goal is athletic readiness, not identical positioning.

Hips, Knees, and Posture

The biggest difference from the primary stance is depth.

Hip Depth

• Hips hinge and drop to roughly knee height (~90°)

• The catcher is higher than the primary stance, not deeper

This height allows faster lateral movement and quicker reactions on balls in the dirt.

Chest Position

• Chest tall

• Lean forward from the hips

• Head remains quiet and level

Although the lower half is slightly angled toward the 2nd base side, the chest and eyes stay locked on the pitcher, maintaining a clear receiving target.

Knee Drive Cue

When setting the stance, imagine:

• Driving the knees over the big toe

• Not outside the foot

This keeps the hips in an athletic position and allows fluid movement left and right when receiving or blocking.

Common Mistake: Sitting too low and locking the hips, which slows lateral movement and compromises blocking ability.

Throwing Hand Safety & Positioning

Hand safety remains non-negotiable.

Approved Hand Positions

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

1.     Thumb tucked into the palm with fingers wrapped, fist placed in the crease of the arm-side hip

2.     Resting on the back hip, between the back pocket and side seam of the pants

Both positions protect the hand while keeping it ready for immediate movement.

Safe does not mean stiff.

Upper Body Alignment

Glove-Side Elbow

• The glove-side elbow rests in front of the glove-side knee

This stabilizes the glove path and keeps movements efficient and quiet.

Glove Position

• Glove positioned below the knees, not on the ground

• Thumb angled toward the belly button

This allows the catcher to work up through the ball, whether receiving a strike or reacting to late movement.

Key Coaching Cues at a Glance

• “Athletic over low.”

• “Wide base, inside-edge pressure.”

• “Hinge the hips — don’t sit.”

• “Chest tall, eyes quiet.”

• “Knees over big toes.”

• “Protect the hand, stay ready.”

Final Thoughts

The secondary stance is not about abandoning receiving — it’s about earning the right to stay athletic when the game speeds up.

When trained correctly, the catcher can:

• Receive strikes with confidence

• Block with urgency

• Control the running game

• Handle the unexpected

Master the secondary stance, and the catcher becomes more than a receiver — they become the field general the game demands.