Calling a good game: It can be catching. (Baseball).

THE ORGANIZATION OF A pitching staff is a primary concern of every baseball coach. The ideal pitcher is a fireballer who throws it at 90+ mph, has off-speed pitches to match, and possesses pinpont control.

The coach's scenario is to maximize the potential of every pitch. Among his basic teaching factors are proper mechanics, a variety of pitches, pitch selection, control, and probably of most importance in the making of a successful pitcher, the other half of the battery -- the catcher.

A catcher has to do a whole lot of things for his pitcher: perfectly handle every pitch, frame the pitch, dig the ball out of the dirt, keep the runners close, and most important of all, call good games.

How much time does the average coach spend on teaching the catchers to call their own game? Probably not as much as he should. Ordinarily, he should spend about 40% of his time with catchers on developing their physical skills and the other 60% on instructing the catcher on situational pitch selections and placement.

The factors involved in calling pitches include score, outs, inning, pitch count, runners on base, and the strengths and weaknesses of the hitter and pitcher.

While your catchers have a good idea of what to call on certain pitch counts, their assessment of the situation may be suspect because of their inexperience.

For example, let us assume that with runners on second and third, only one out, your team is up by one run, and a right-handed hitter is up at the plate. The situation calls for pitching inside and forcing the hitter to hit to the left side of the infield -- giving your third baseman or shortstop (playing in) a chance at holding the runners at second and third while making the out at first.

An awareness of the situation will guide your catcher in his pitch selection. The location of the pitch may mean the difference between a weak ground-out and an extra-base hit.

Right from the beginning, you should instruct your catcher on the importance of using the inside and outside part of the plate. Most hitters won't have a problem with pitches over the middle. The difficulty increases as the pitch is spotted to the corners.

The concept of pitching to the corners will force the batter to hit the pitch where we want him to, thus giving us an advantage on defense.

The last and most overlooked factor in pitch selection is rhythm. A successful pitcher will throw 80-115 pitches per game, an average of about 16 pitches per inning at 12-16 seconds per pitch.

To establish rhythm, the pitcher must develop muscle memory -- mastering a skill so thoroughly that it can be performed without even thinking about it. This will enable the pitcher to throw the ideal pitch whenever necessary.

What throws a pitcher out of rhythm? Improper mechanics, wild pitches, errors, and even the weather can do it. The catcher may also throw a pitcher out of rhythm via dropped strikes, passed balls, and wild throws, causing the pitcher to jump or bend for the ball.

The delay in time between pitches will create problems for your pitcher. You should train your catchers to be aware of the time element between pitches. Their goal should be 12-16 seconds between pitches.

When camp starts. Let your catchers know how much respect you have for their ability, as well as your high expectations of them. Remember, the catcher is going to be your eyes, ears, and voice while your pitcher is on the mound.

It is also important to give your back-up catchers plenty of responsibility, as they are going to be the ones who catch your bullpen. They have to be aware of what you want from your pitchers.

At the beginning of the year, start calling all the pitches though hand signals. Place three chairs in front of the dugout -- one for yourself, one for your pitch charter (usually a starting pitcher on his off day), and the third for your back-up catcher. Your backup catcher is there to learn the hand signals, study the chart, and listen to you. Your starting catcher can get his experience from being on the field and going over the chart between innings and games. By calling pitches in the beginning, you will alleviate the pressure on your catcher, enabling him to concentrate on situation and rhythm.

Once you have reached the quarter-season mark, you can begin to have your back-up catcher signal the pitches. Allow him to ask questions about various situations, giving him a sense of experience and ownership. The pressure on him will be minimal, since you will be right there talking through the situations with him.

Next, let your starting catcher call his own game. Start by allowing him to call pitches in certain innings or at bats. During this time, you can allow each catcher to practice calling pitches from the dugout and from behind the plate. This is the key to developing their mental process.

Remember, it's better to walk, even crawl, before you start to run. As the season progresses, increase the catcher's pitch calling, help him develop confidence, and continue communication.

Your main goal is to get your catcher to the point where he can call the entire game. This will take time and practice.