Have you ever thought about what the most important skill is for a catcher to master to be successful? Is it blocking balls in the dirt? That’s pretty important. What about throwing out stealing baserunners? That’s definitely something a catcher needs to be good at.

However, of all the skills that a catcher must master, most people agree that the most important skill is not a physical skill at all. Many agree that the most important skill for a catcher to master is the skill of leadership.

1. Calming pitchers – Without a doubt, the performance of your pitcher is the most important factor that determines that outcome of a game. And pitchers are only human. They have their good days, when everything seems to be clicking. And then they have their bad days when it seems like they’ve never picked up a baseball.

When a pitcher takes the mound, it is absolutely critical that he knows he has a comrade in his battle against the opposing hitters. He has to have trust that you will give him guidance and support, whether he’s putting up K’s or getting lit up like a roman candle.

Build a rapport with your pitcher. This doesn’t mean you have to be his best friend, but it does mean you need to get to know him. Learn his strengths. Learn his weaknesses. Learn what makes him calm and what sends him off the deep end. The more you know about your pitcher, the better chance you have to do the right thing if things get shaky in a game.

Know the opposing batters. Have a game plan for you pitcher. Call the pitches that will give him the greatest chance of success. If you aren’t prepared, or you and your pitcher are not on the same page, then it can make for a very long game.

Know when to take a pause in the action. If you sense that something is not right during a game, call time out and take a walk to the mound to find out if there is something wrong with your pitcher. Maybe there is a communication issue or maybe he isn’t feeling like he has his best stuff. Don’t let things linger. Get out there and find out what you can do as a team to get things back on track.

2. Directing the defense – As the catcher, you very often have the best view of the entire field of play and can be an invaluable resource to the defense during plays when decisions need to be made quickly.

Let’s face it. During a play, things can change on a dime. Any bobbled ball or miscue can change where the next play is. As the catcher, you are the field general and must use your unique viewpoint and leadership to direct the action of the defense.

You must be completely alert during each and every play and be ready on a moment’s notice to vocally direct your team.

3. Building rapport with umpires – Umpires are supposed to be objective judges of the game. But in reality, umpires are human and there are plenty of plays and pitches throughout the course of any game that can be called either way.

Give yourself the advantage by building a rapport with the ump behind the plate. Strike up conversations with him before the game or between innings and never, never try to show him up by over-framing pitches. Give the umpire respect and hopefully he will return the gesture.

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