Much of catching is easy to see on camera: a late drop to block, a slow transfer, a glove that drifts. That makes Baseball Catching Lessons in Sycamore, IL well suited to a mix of in-person sessions and video feedback from Coach Cinz.
Coach Cinz spent five years before the pandemic as a hitting, fielding and pitching instructor with the Chicago White Sox organization, mostly with pre-draft players. Our baseball catching lessons page explains what he covers with catchers.
How far is Naperville from Sycamore?
Sycamore is in DeKalb County, about 40.5 miles northwest of The Play & Thrive Club Naperville. The drive is about 53 minutes. That is a real trip, so it helps to plan each visit with a purpose. Many families book two back-to-back 30-minute Private Lessons ($65 each) so the catcher gets a full hour of work.
Baseball Catching Lessons in Sycamore, IL: using video between visits
Between facility sessions, Video Analysis ($35) keeps a Sycamore catcher moving forward. Film one skill, send it in, and get drills back. Good clips to send include:
- Blocking a few balls in the dirt, filmed from the front.
- A throw to second, filmed from the side to show footwork and transfer.
- Receiving several pitches, filmed from behind the pitcher.
For live feedback, a Zoom Lesson ($65, 30 min) gives 1-on-1 coaching online after a short consultation. A membership saves $20 per lesson.
What does Coach Cinz look for in a catcher?
He coaches movements, mechanics and, most of all, timing. For a catcher, that means feet and hands working in rhythm on every throw. He also works on the mental game, since catchers need confidence and consistency to lead a pitching staff. His reviews mention that he explains the reasoning behind each change. Softball catchers are welcome as well.
A sample plan for a Sycamore catcher
Coach Cinz builds each plan around the athlete’s goals, but a common pattern looks like this. Start with the free Benchmark, then a facility visit with two back-to-back Private Lessons to set priorities. Over the next few weeks, send a blocking clip, then a throwing clip, through Video Analysis. Add a Zoom Lesson when live feedback would help, then return to Naperville to see how the changes hold up with a real catcher’s gear and pitches. Sycamore families can slow or speed up this rhythm around school and the season.
The Personal Assessment ($195, 1-on-1) is another option if you want a detailed opinion before committing to a plan.
Families nearby train with us too, including private lessons for families in nearby DeKalb and catching lessons in nearby Hampshire.
The first step is the free Benchmark goals form. Coach Cinz replies within 48 hours with times to measure your catcher. To learn more, read about catching lessons with Coach Cinz.
Sycamore families ask
How should a Sycamore family plan catching lessons around the drive?
The facility is about 53 minutes from Sycamore, so we suggest fewer, fuller visits. Book two 30-minute Private Lessons back to back, then use Video Analysis or Zoom Lessons between trips so your catcher keeps getting feedback from Coach Cinz all season.
Which catching skills work best for video feedback from Sycamore?
Blocking, throws to second and receiving all show up clearly on video. Film one skill at a time with a steady phone and the whole body in frame. Coach Cinz replies with drills your catcher can practise before the next visit.
