Catcher's Box

[bluejay]

The book means just what it says. They are to remain in the box UNLESS the batter moves up. Therefore the lines don't mater at that point. A well coached team is going to position themselves in the front of the box in order to hit the ball before it breaks and the ASA book says the catcher can move up accordingly. In all the fastpitch games I have ever done, that has not been a problem. It has been a problem if the batter is in the back of the box and they will get back there occassionaly for several reasons. If they are in front, the catcher should not be a problem unless they prevent the batter from making a swing and you just don't see that happening unless you are calling younger un-trained players. More importantly, to me, I don't want the catcher way-back where it is more difficult stopping the short hopper. I had much rather her be up there where she can stop it rather than me stopping it with something not designed for that purpose.

Jay Garner