WebBall.com - Guard the Line

Techniques for Safety

There's no way
to make this an absolutely safe play.

It's the most dangerous situation a catcher will face.

The runner is charging around third and down the line, ball sailing in from the outfield. The catcher has to keep one eye on the runner and both eyes on the ball. The runner, meanwhile, is aware of you but focused on home plate - and he has no idea when or where (or even if) the ball will arrive.

Yes, there's the slide or avoid rule in youth ball. And it may help arbitrate a collision after the fact - deciding who's out or who's 'safe'. But it won't protect you from injury. These techniques might.

Body & Foot Placement

Position yourself about 5-10' up the line.
Left foot points towards 3rd base, never across the line. That way, if the leg is hit straight on , the knee will bend up naturally and you can still come down on the runner for the tag.
Glove out and body weight on the right leg.
Show glove-side daylight to the runner, then take it away.
On the two-handed catch, transfer the ball to the throwing hand tucked inside the mitt like a fist - knuckles to padding.
Move the glove to the line, low, but let the runner come to you. (Don't reach out - extending the arms could lock the elbows.)
After the tag, take the hand with the ball out and show it to the ump.

Slide or Avoid

In leagues with slide or avoid rule in effect, you cannot block the line until the ball is inbound.
However, remember the techniques above, because the rule gives the runner the decision to make - and what if he makes the wrong one.
So step on the line for body position, but accept that you may have to pull the leg away if the ball is not coming to you. (Note the advice above to have weight on right leg. not left.)