What does the catcher do on a squeeze play?

The job, step by step

The same on all 3 plays below.

1. FieldThe pitch until the ball is fielded

   Stay at the plate — the runner is coming on the pitch. If he breaks early, call for the pitch-out and tag him. On the bunt, step into fair territory in front of the plate and give the fielder a target.

2. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Take the throw in front of the plate, then block it and make the tag. If there was no play at the plate, make sure the out at first is made and keep the batter-runner from taking second.

Who you work with

• PPitcher crashes with the first and third basemen
• 2BSecond baseman covers first
• SSShortstop covers second

Common mistakes

• Blocking the plate before the ball arrives.

  Never block it before you have the ball. Stand in fair territory in front of the plate, catch it, then block and tag.

• Missing the early break.

  If the runner breaks before the pitch, call for the pitch-out and tag him. A squeeze read early is an easy out.

The plays

Each one opens the full play: every position's job, the coaching points and the animation.

• Stays home for the tagRunner on third, squeeze bunt back to the pitcher
• Stays home for the tagRunner on third, squeeze bunt to the first-base side
• Stays home for the tagRunner on third, squeeze bunt to the third-base side

Test yourself

Questions from the app's Learn sessions. Pick your answer, then check it.

1. Squeeze coverage: who charges, and where is the catcher?

   1. A.The pitcher and both corners charge; the catcher stays at the plate
   2. B.Only the pitcher charges; the catcher fields anything in front
   3. C.Both corners and the catcher charge; the pitcher covers home
   4. D.Nobody charges; everyone holds a base and waits
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. The pitcher and both corners charge; the catcher stays at the plate. The pitcher and both corners charge; the catcher stays at the plate for the tag.

2. Squeeze: the runner breaks early. What do you do?

   1. A.Pitch out and tag him
   2. B.Throw your best strike to the batter
   3. C.Throw it in the dirt so it can’t be bunted
   4. D.Throw a slow change-up
   Show the answerHide the answer

   B. Throw your best strike to the batter. Pitch out and tag him.

More catcher jobs

• Backs up firstWhat does the catcher do on a single with nobody on?
• Holds the plate, repeats the callWhat does the catcher do on a single with a runner on first?
• Runs the play at the plateWhat does the catcher call on a single with a runner on second?
• Lines up the relay, makes the callWhat does the catcher do on a double with a runner on first?
• Fields it or calls "One!"What does the catcher do on a bunt with nobody on?
• Calls "Two!" or "One!"What does the catcher call on a bunt with a runner on first?
• Calls "Three!" or "One!"What does the catcher call on a bunt with runners on first and second?

The catcher on every play · All positions