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Framing Drill — Thumb Turns

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Teaches catchers to receive borderline pitches and frame them into the strike zone with subtle glove movements.

CatchingIntermediate10 min2+ players10U11U12U13U14U

Watch the Full Demonstration

How to Run This Drill
  1. 1
    Catcher sets up behind the plate in their stance.
  2. 2
    Coach throws pitches to each edge of the zone — up, down, inside, outside.
  3. 3
    Catcher 'sticks' the pitch by turning the thumb: down on low pitches, up on high pitches, inward on outside pitches.
  4. 4
    Hold the pitch for 1 second after catching — don't pull it.
  5. 5
    10 pitches to each edge of the zone.
Equipment Needed
  • Baseballs
  • Catcher's gear
  • Gloves
Coaching Tips
  • ●Soft hands — receive, don't stab. The glove moves to the ball, not past it.
  • ●Frame by turning the thumb, not by moving the whole arm.
  • ●A good frame can steal 3-4 calls a game for your pitcher.