Catchers are the multi-taskers of the baseball world. They have to work together with the pitcher to strike out opposing players, run for pop-ups, bunts, and foul balls, and protect home plate from incoming runners. They are involved in nearly every play their team makes. Performing all of these tasks effectively requires catchers to master a number of techniques and stances. Framing and blocking are two important techniques catchers must use in every game to be successful.

There are two general stances a catcher should employ. The first one is known as basic receiving stance, or primary stance. This stance should only be used at the start of innings or when no players are base. To strike basic receiving stance, a catcher should place their feet shoulder width apart and bend at the knees, crouching down. Their weight should be distributed evenly, with their throwing arm behind their back. The catching hand is placed on the outside of the knee and the catching arm pushed slightly forward of the knee. Basic receiving stance is the most comfortable stance for catchers, but it is also the least efficient, which is why it should never be used when there are players on the field.

The catcher has a few roles that he must play when on the field. The catcher will communicate with the pitcher when he is about to pitch. The catcher has to catch the ball if a player misses, and the catcher is the last line of defense when a player from another team is trying to score a home run. The catcher must be alert, must be observant, and must remain in control of the situation at all times. Since no one on the field can really tell where a ball will go in the game of baseball, players must be ready for anything that will happen.

After buying a new baseball glove, it is important to use it instead of letting the glove sit on a shelf until next season. Even if you buy the glove after baseball season is over, you should still break it in by playing catch and other practice games so that the leather will not become stiff and begin to crack. You may have to use the glove repeatedly for a week or more before it will be loose enough to use in an actual game of baseball. You can also massage the gloves and loosen the leather so that they glove will become more pliable when you are using it in a game.