Catcher is the most demanding position on the field. You touch the ball on every pitch, you manage the pitcher, and you are the last line of defense. Baseball Catching Lessons in Bartlett, IL with Coach Cinz give catchers focused 1-on-1 time on the skills that make them valuable to a team.
Catching is one of the skills Coach Cinz covers in his private lessons, alongside hitting, pitching and infield work. Our page on baseball catching lessons and receiving skills explains how he approaches the position.
What do Bartlett catchers work on?
Sessions start with the athlete’s goals, then target the areas that matter most. Typical focus areas include:
- A stable, comfortable stance with and without runners on
- Receiving and presenting pitches cleanly
- Blocking balls in the dirt
- Footwork and a quick, accurate throw to the bases
- Leadership, communication and confidence behind the plate
As with every skill he teaches, Coach Cinz emphasizes movements, mechanics and timing, and explains why each adjustment helps. Parents often mention that he is patient with kids who learn differently.
Baseball Catching Lessons in Bartlett, IL: time, place and price
A Private Lesson is $65 for 30 minutes. Catchers who want more reps often book two back-to-back blocks. Members save $20 per lesson with no limit.
Bartlett, in Cook County, sits about 35 minutes and about 19 miles north of The Play & Thrive Club Naperville. You can train at the facility, which is ideal in the off-season and on rainy days, or book a private lesson at a location of your choice within Chicagoland.
Is the Personal Assessment worth it for a young catcher?
For a catcher who is new to the position, or one who wants an honest read on where they stand, the 1-on-1 Personal Assessment ($195) is a strong starting point. It gives you a personal opinion from a coach who spent five years instructing in the Chicago White Sox organization. Catchers in nearby Hanover Park and Streamwood use it the same way before committing to a lesson plan.
Catching and the rest of the game
Catchers still need to hit, and many also play the infield. Because Coach Cinz’s private lessons cover any skill, a Bartlett player can split time between catching work and hitting, or book two 30-minute blocks to cover both in one visit. Between visits, a short video of receiving or throwing can be sent for a $35 Video Analysis, with drills sent back. Throwing from the crouch also puts stress on the arm, so we recommend following the MLB and USA Baseball Pitch Smart guidelines for rest, and seeing a doctor or athletic trainer for any pain.
The simplest way to begin is the free Benchmark Step 1 form. Tell us your catcher’s goals, and Coach Cinz will reply within 48 hours with times to measure current metrics. Learn more about how Coach Cinz trains catchers before your first session.
Bartlett families ask
Where do Bartlett catchers meet Coach Cinz for lessons?
You have two choices. Train at The Play & Thrive Club Naperville, about 35 minutes and about 19 miles south of Bartlett, or book a private lesson at a location you pick within the Chicagoland area. The facility is the go-to option in the off-season and when rain cancels outdoor practice.
Does my Bartlett catcher need their own gear for lessons?
It helps to bring the catcher's gear and glove your athlete uses in games, since practicing in familiar equipment makes the work carry over to the field. If you are unsure what to bring, text or email Coach Cinz before your first lesson and he will let you know.
