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Ever find yourself losing your grip on the chaotic world of baseball catching? Well, we've got the antidote. In a riveting conversation with Brandon Oliver, former New York Yankees catching coach and current owner of Futures Training Center, we crack open the art of successful catching. We journey through our experiences at the junior college level, dissecting how Brandon transitioned into a coaching role, and unravelling the assessments given to catchers from velocity to hip mobility and stances.

Time management and early recognition are explored as essential components of effective catching. As we shed light on the difficulties of coaching young players on proper blocking techniques, we also highlight the advantages of using the glove to pick up the ball, and how to incorporate this technique into practice drills. The evolution of catching techniques doesn't go unnoticed - particularly the impact of J-Bands on athlete progress, and the shift in pitching shapes. 

Furthermore, we tackle the necessity of an aggressive approach to the ball, illuminating the PVC drill designed to train players to take that crucial first step. We also delve into the concept of pocket angle and share drills that help players create the right angle to match the pitch. Lastly, we size up the art of managing a catcher's heart rate, maintaining focus amidst chaos, and the importance of liaising with coaches to set up the catcher for success. So, gear up, and let's unlock the mysteries of successful catching together!