Catcher is the busiest position on the field, and it rarely gets its own coaching time at team practice. Baseball Catching Lessons in Shorewood, IL with Coach Cinz give catchers that one-on-one attention. Our Naperville facility is about 31 minutes north of Shorewood, roughly 17 miles away.
The full approach is laid out on our baseball catching lessons page. In short, catchers work in 30-minute Private Lessons ($65) that focus on their goals, with longer sessions available by booking back-to-back blocks.
What catchers work on
Every catcher is different, so the focus depends on what the Benchmark shows. Common areas include:
- Stance and receiving: a quiet glove and a stable base.
- Blocking: getting the body in front of balls in the dirt.
- Footwork and transfer: a quick, accurate throw to the bases.
- Leadership: the confidence to run the game and talk to pitchers.
Coach Cinz teaches through movement, mechanics and timing, and he explains why each adjustment matters. Catchers who also hit can split a session between the plate and the position.
Good catching also takes stamina and a calm head. Squatting for a full game, handling a wild pitch with a runner on third, and staying positive after a passed ball are all part of the job. Coach Cinz works on the mental game alongside the physical one, helping young catchers build confidence, a steady mindset and the consistency coaches look for. For a Shorewood catcher, that often means simple routines between pitches that keep them focused and ready.
How far is Shorewood from Naperville for catching lessons?
Shorewood is in Will County, south of Naperville, and the drive is about 31 minutes. Lessons are held at The Play & Thrive Club Naperville, 808 Rte 59 #120, which gives catchers an indoor space in the off-season and on rainy days. Private lessons can also be held at a location you choose within the Chicagoland area.
Catchers from the same stretch of Will County train with us too, including families in nearby Minooka and players from Joliet.
Starting Baseball Catching Lessons in Shorewood, IL the right way
The first step is free. Your catcher answers a few goal questions on the Benchmark Step 1 form. Coach Cinz replies within 48 hours with times to measure current metrics, then builds a plan around those goals. Families who want a fuller picture can book a one-on-one Personal Assessment ($195) for a personal opinion on where the athlete stands.
Between lessons, a Video Analysis ($35) is a simple way to check progress: send a clip of a throw-down or a blocking rep and get drills back.
Coach Cinz has over 25 years in baseball, including five years with the Chicago White Sox organization as an instructor. To see how catching fits into the rest of his coaching, visit our catching lessons guide or text 312-493-3067.
Shorewood families ask
Is the drive from Shorewood worth it for a 30-minute catching lesson?
The trip is about 31 minutes each way, so many Shorewood catchers book two back-to-back 30-minute blocks to get more from each visit. Private lessons can also be arranged at a Chicagoland location of your choice, and Video Analysis can fill the gaps between sessions.
Can a Shorewood catcher work on hitting in the same session?
Yes. Private Lessons cover any skill, so a catcher can split time between receiving, blocking and throwing and work in the batter's box. Coach Cinz sets the balance based on the goals your athlete shares in the free Benchmark, and he can shift it as the season changes.
