Youth Catcher Training Drills by Jerry Weinstein

Why Great Teams Always Have Great Catchers: Jerry Weinstein’s Secrets to Youth Catching Success

When Coach Jerry Weinstein speaks, the baseball world listens. With over 60 years of coaching experience spanning Team USA, the Colorado Rockies, and countless elite youth programs, Jerry’s insights are nothing short of transformative. In this episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast, Joey Myers sits down with Coach Weinstein to unpack the most misunderstood—and often overlooked—position in baseball: the catcher.

If you’re a parent, coach, or young athlete trying to master the art of catching, this is your blueprint. Whether you’re navigating pitch calling, building confidence behind the plate, or trying to prevent burnout in young catchers, this episode is filled with field-tested advice you can use this week.

🧠 Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. Why One-Knee Catching Isn’t Just a Trend

Coach Weinstein debunks the myth that one-knee catching is bad for blocking or throwing. The truth? It reduces fatigue, minimizes injury risk, and improves performance when done right—especially for players with limited mobility.

“If you believe in fact-based decisions, you’d look at the data—and the data supports it.” – Coach Weinstein

2. Pitch Calling Is a Skill—Here’s How to Teach It

Whether your youth athlete is calling their own pitches or you’re guiding them, Coach Weinstein emphasizes simplicity and adaptability. Start with your pitcher’s strengths. Focus on pitch execution, not perfection.

“In amateur baseball, a well-executed strike is a good pitch—fastball, curveball, or change-up.”

3. Managing Pressure: What Catchers (and Parents) Need to Hear

Handling high-pressure moments begins with preparation and mindset. Teach young catchers that pressure is a privilege. Let them make mistakes. Let them learn. And most importantly, let them own their game.

“It’s his gig, not yours. Don’t make your child’s performance about you.”

4. Preventing Catcher Burnout in a Busy Season

Fatigue leads to poor mechanics and injuries. Coach Weinstein stresses listening to your athlete—mentally and physically. Balance baseball with downtime and adjust workload based on recovery, not just stats.

🔗 Related Resources from HittingPerformanceLab.com

Swing Shift Daily Hitting System: Build confidence, timing, and barrel awareness in just 3–5 minutes a day.
Best Gear for Youth Catchers: Hand-selected tools that support movement, safety, and skill development.

🎧 Listen to the Full Podcast Episode

Coach Weinstein shares gold for youth coaches and baseball parents alike. His lessons on catcher strategy, mental toughness, and smarter development are game-changers.

👉 Listen now and learn how to help your athlete become the most confident version of themselves behind the plate.

If you’re serious about helping your player grow into a smart, confident catcher—or simply want to avoid the most common coaching mistakes—this episode is required listening. Don’t miss your chance to turn insights into action.

Subscribe, share, and visit HittingPerformanceLab.com for more free guides, video drills, and tools to help your hitter dominate at the plate and behind it.

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Joey Myers

Author at Hitting Performance Lab

Welcome to HittingPerformanceLab.com, where passion meets expertise. As the founder and author, I've crafted over 400 captivating blog posts and authored the Amazon bestselling book "Catapult Loading System," guiding small hitters to drive the ball consistently over 300 feet.
With 28,000+ online bat speed program sales, my methods have transformed coaches, instructors, and parents just like you. I'm affiliated with esteemed organizations like ABCA, IYCA, and SABR, advocating for positive coaching. With 15+ years in corrective fitness and a Division One baseball background, my knowledge is unmatched.
Join our blog and unlock the secrets to successful hitting, elevate your performance, and ignite your passion. Welcome to the world of limitless possibilities at HittingPerformanceLab.com.