Catchers touch the ball on almost every pitch, so small habits behind the plate make a big difference. Baseball Catching Lessons in Highland Park, IL with Coach Cinz start online, because the Naperville facility is more than an hour away.
The Play & Thrive Club Naperville is about 48 miles southwest of Highland Park, roughly 68 minutes by car. Our baseball catching lessons page covers the full approach to the position.
Can catching really be coached over Zoom?
Much of it can. Stance, setup, glove presentation and footwork on throws are all visible on camera. A Zoom Lesson is $65 for 30 minutes, one-on-one, and begins with a consultation so Coach Cinz understands the catcher’s goals.
Video Analysis is the other everyday tool. For $35, you submit a short video of a skill, such as a throw to second or a blocking rep, and get drills back. It is an easy way to get feedback after a game or practice.
Baseball Catching Lessons in Highland Park, IL: an online-first plan
- Weekly or biweekly: Zoom Lessons for live coaching on setup and footwork.
- After games: Video Analysis on the reps that felt off.
- For a full picture: the Full Scouting Analysis, a three-hour evaluation of hitting, pitching, fielding and base running with a detailed report.
- Occasionally: a trip to Naperville for a Personal Assessment ($195, one-on-one) or a clinic.
When you do visit, booking two back-to-back 30-minute Private Lessons makes the trip worthwhile.
What does a catcher need for an online lesson?
Space and a clear view matter most. A garage, basement or backyard with room to get into a stance and shift side to side works well. Many Highland Park families prop a phone on a tripod at about chest height, a few steps in front of the catcher. Wear the gear, so Coach Cinz can see how the catcher moves in it, and keep a few balls nearby for transfer drills.
What does Coach Cinz teach catchers?
The same principles he uses everywhere: movements, mechanics and, most of all, timing. For a catcher, timing shows up in receiving the pitch cleanly and in a quick, efficient transfer on throws.
He also works on the mental side. Catchers are leaders on the field, and confidence and consistency help them manage a game. Coach Cinz has more than 25 years in baseball and spent five years as an instructor with the Chicago White Sox organization.
For catchers who also pitch, he recommends the MLB/USA Baseball Pitch Smart guidelines, and resting a sore arm. For pain or injury, see a doctor or athletic trainer.
Highland Park is in Lake County. Families in nearby towns follow similar plans, including softball hitters in nearby Northbrook and youth training in Glenview.
Begin with the free Benchmark. Answer the online goals form, and Coach Cinz will reply within 48 hours with times to measure your catcher’s metrics. For more on the position, read our catching lessons guide.
Highland Park families ask
Do Highland Park catchers ever need to train in person?
Online training does most of the work, but an occasional trip helps. The Naperville facility is about 68 minutes away, so families often plan a visit for a Personal Assessment or two back-to-back lessons, and use Zoom and Video Analysis the rest of the time.
What catching skills show up well on a Video Analysis?
Stance, setup, glove presentation, blocking and throws to a base all come through clearly on video. Film from the side or behind, keep the whole body in frame, and Coach Cinz will send back drills for the skill you submitted.
