To be a good catcher it is fundamentally important to have a good stance. There are 2 basic stances that you must learn, the relaxed stance and the ready stance. Relaxed Stance The main stance used by most catchers with the bases empty and less than 2 strikes is called the relaxed stance. The relaxed stance is performed by squatting with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hips and shoulders are square to the pitcher with feet slightly staggered or straight across, while being comfortable and low. Relax your catching arm (glove hand) and point palm at the pitcher mound. Place the throwing hand behind your back or shoe. Give the pitcher a good low target. Ready Stance The ready stance is used with runners on base and/or two strikes on the hitter. Both situations require that you be ready to block a wild pitch or throw out a base runner. The ready stance is simply a raised squat with the body weight on the balls of your feet with butt slightly raised. Keeping your shoulders and hips square to the pitcher, relax your catching arm, and point your palm at the pitchers mound. Place your thowing hand in a fist behind your glove. Give the pitcher a good low target.