How many games should a catcher catch?

[jofus]

Every morning when I get out of bed (especially on rainy days like this morning), with my ankles popping, my knees creaking, and my shoulders aching, I wonder if I should try to discourage my kids from playing ball rather than encourage them. Then I remember all of my fond memories from playing ball when I was growing up, not to mention some of the stuff their friends (or past friends in some cases) that don't play ball are into now.

Like mentioned above, the important thing is conditioning and preparation. I have to constantly stay on my DD about drinking lots and lots of water, for example, especially the couple days before a tournament. I also have to make sure her arm or something isn't bothering her, which is difficult because by the time she would actually tell me, it would probably be too late.

[Tucson]

Jofus, I have found a fountain of youth since moving to the dessert. A heated pool. I jog around in there for an hour and I could take on the world. Also, try deep tissue massage. It will be painful during the treatment, but it must get out toxins or something. I feel wonderful afterwards. Amy (And no, I am not offering my pool, nor am I offering massages. I know you guys.)

[Martin]

5 games is about 7 hours of softball. We don't expect any degradation in performance of a highly physical activity after 7 hours in 90-degree heat? She'll hit just as well, call pitches just as well and basically perform at the same level in the 1st Inning of Game 1 as she will in the 7th Inning of Game 5?

This is where coaches step in. I think we absolutely want to have catchers who think/want/expect to go every inning of every game. That's the sort of mentality that makes a good catcher. I wouldn't think as much of a player who asked to come out of a game or didn't think she could still "get it done." But a coach's job is to figure out when a player has reached the point of diminishing returns.

[Hitmechanic]

(And no, I am not offering my pool, nor am I offering massages. I know you guys.)

You gotta be a DDGM How about a jog and desert

[DonnieS]

>> But a coach's job is to figure out when a player has reached the point of diminishing returns.<<

I have known my catchers for 10 years and 6 years respectively - and one is extremely honest with me - the other will lie through her teeth about her physical status during a game, but knowing them as long as I do helps me.

[artomatic]

I have a great kid who will catch all day if we let her.
In two tournaments, in decent weather, and breaks in between games, she has caught 4 games and done great.
A couple weeks ago in Fresno, in the heat, 4 games back to back, she came up and said she needed a break after the 3rd game. She isn't one to complain, so she only hit in that 4th game.
I was thinking I should have not just listened when she was saying she wanted to catch all of them.
But I agree, that's the type of mentality you want in a catcher, but you have to also use common sense.

Heck, my brain and my knees are fried after 3 or 4 games just standing in the coach's box and calling pitches on the bucket...I caught through high school, and now almost 30 yrs and 100 lbs later, my knees don't really work anymore...

[coachkev]

And to think people respect Artomatic he should change his name to "Slave Driver" Making a 12U catch 3 games in Fresno cmon it is just a game. Stop trying to re-live your childhood through other people's kids.

Just kidding Artomatic --- I would have gone four but at least it was my DD.

[okie-boy]

>> Where it really gets you is if you're in the losers bracket late <<

Be glad you dont have an deranged daughter. She thinks the most fun thing in the world is a day full of back to backs - she told me a while back (this is why I think she needs to be tested) "Dad, why dont we just lose the first game on saturday, then we can rest up and play all day Sunday."

Now thats funny...I dont care who you are!!!

[2smoove]

I have coached for 12 years.

I have never carried less than 2 catchers, and I tend to swap them a game at a time. Primarily because my catchers run the game. They are responsible for the defense and the pitcher when they are on the field. I expect them to know what is going on in regard to runners, batter, umpire preferences, pitcher and defensive alignment on every pitch. They are also responsible for communicating all of this between innings so that the coaches can make the necessary adjustments. They are allowed to shake off pitches from the coach and to call time when they and anyone on defense is not on the same page. All of my catchers relish in the role and all have gone and excelled in college.

The catchers must spend a lot of time getting prepared to handle the role, but when they are done, they can typically play for anybody at most levels.

[tai2000]

My DD will catch till she drops. She will never complain until the next day whern she can barely walk. And of course, in PHX as the weather just keeps heating up, as we get further into the summer, even catching 2 games can take it's toll. We hydrate 2-3 days prior to games, amonia water/ ice towels in the cooler for her neck and face between games, etc. She's only 11 but would lie down and die before she would complain about being tired.
Biggest problem is that she's been the only catcher on our team for the entire year. So when she starts to get to the point of struggling (despite her protests) we have no other options. I guess in the long run it will make her tougher but what can you do?