Precise, Data-Driven Feedback: The real-time metrics for framing, blocking, and throwing allow catchers to fine-tune their techniques and see direct results from their efforts.
Comprehensive Skill Development: HitTrax combines both physical and mental aspects of catching. It’s not just about receiving pitches but about reacting to different situations, calling the game, and making split-second decisions.
Game Situations & Mental Training: With Hittrax, catchers can simulate high-stress game situations, helping them build the mental toughness and focus required to perform under pressure.
Continuous Improvement: By tracking progress over time, HitTrax helps catchers understand what areas need more work and provides a clear roadmap to becoming better behind the plate.
You can get feedback on your ability to keep pitches in the strike zone or how well you catch balls on the edges of the zone. This is critical for refining your framing skills and earning those borderline calls from the umpire.
Hittrax provides precise data on where each pitch crosses the plate, which helps catchers work on their framing technique. The system tracks whether the pitch is in the strike zone and how well the catcher “frames” it—whether they can present it to the umpire as a strike, even if it’s on the edge of the zone.
Catchers can analyze their receiving mechanics (soft hands, framing posture, receiving stance). Hittrax can track whether the pitch is “sticking” or if it’s bouncing out of the glove, helping you refine your technique.
Pop Time: Hittrax tracks the time it takes for the ball to go from the catcher’s glove to the second baseman (or shortstop) on a steal attempt. This is known as pop time. A faster pop time indicates a quicker release and a stronger, more accurate throw. Catchers can improve their pop times by working on their throwing mechanics and footwork.
Throwing Accuracy: Hittrax measures the accuracy of throws, allowing catchers to track how well their throws land in the target area. This feedback helps catchers focus on throwing with more precision, improving their ability to prevent stolen bases and execute double plays.
Throwing Mechanics: Catchers can review data to improve the mechanics of their throws, ensuring the ball is coming out cleanly and quickly. Over time, they can track improvements in throwing speed and precision.
Pitch Tracking: Although Hittrax is typically known for analyzing pitches that are in the strike zone, it can also provide feedback on balls in the dirt, which helps catchers work on their blocking technique. Tracking where the ball lands and whether it can be blocked or scooped helps improve reaction time and mechanics.
Reaction Time: The system can track how quickly a catcher reacts to a pitch in the dirt, which is critical for preventing wild pitches and passed balls. Catchers can work on their blocking posture, lateral movement, and quickness to improve their ability to keep runners from advancing.
Throwing Velocity and Spin: While primarily used for pitchers, catchers can benefit from understanding the spin and velocity of the pitches they receive. This helps catchers adjust their glove work and catching technique based on different pitch types (e.g., fastball, curveball, slider, etc.).
Framing & Receiving Stats: Hittrax tracks data on framing success rates and receive-to-pitch ratios, showing which areas of the strike zone you excel at framing and where you might need to improve.
Stolen Base Prevention: By tracking the timing of your throws and your pop time, Hittrax allows you to measure how effective you are at stopping the running game. Catchers can focus on improving their footwork, release time, and the accuracy of their throws to second base.
