Catchers Blocking the Plate

1. Always stay at the plate. Never go out to receive a throw and let the runner slide behind you. The ball will come faster than you can go and get it and come back for the tag.
2. If the ball is hit to left or center field and there is to be a play at the plate, the catcher should immediately move into the following position: Left foot planted on the base line with toe pointing to third and left shin perpendicular to the ground, the right leg is opened up with the right toe pointing toward first base and used as a brace to prevent the catcher from being knocked over. Have pressure on the left leg and use the shin guard on the left leg to block the plate.
   
   If the ball is hit to right field, stay a couple of steps behind the plate in line with the throw coming in. This will enable you see the runner out of the corner of your eye at the same time you are watching the ball. As you see the play develop, move into position and make the tag.
3. The catcher should stay low but on his feet until the runner has committed himself to slide. If the runner slides, use your shin guard to block him off the base and tag the runner with both hands, keeping the ball in your throwing hand.
4. If the runner doesn't slide, the catcher should stay low making the tag with both hands as dsescribed above, but to prevent injury, the catcher should evade the runner by tagging high and spinning away in a counterclockwise motion.
5. Always be aggressive when making a tag.
6. Assume every throw from the outfielder will be a good one. Then your only decision is to have the ball cut by the cut off man. If the ball is in direct line to plate let it go as the ball will get there faster than having it relayed by the cut off man.