Diamond Backstop Academy

09/10/2026

Quiet Bodies Steal Strikes 🤫⚾️

The primary stance isn't just where you sit—it’s where you earn your pitcher’s trust and the umpire’s respect. If your foundation is shaky, your framing will be too.

Elite receiving starts from the ground up:
✅ The Base: Wide feet, pressure on the inside edges.
✅ The Posture: Chest over toes, hips below knees.
✅ The Glove: Thumb to belly button, working from the bottom up.

When you master the primary stance, you stop fighting the ball and start absorbing it. Stop moving so much and start winning the edges.

🔗 Read the full breakdown on the blog: https://www.diamondbackstopacademy.com/home/drills-skills-just-getting-better/nuggets-of-knowledge/primary-stance

09/07/2026

Is Your Gear Keeping You Safe or Holding You Back? 🛡️⚾

Before you ever take your first squat of the season, there is one critical check every catcher must perform: The Fit Test. Wearing gear that is too large creates dangerous gaps in protection, while gear that is too small restricts the mobility you need for elite receiving and blocking. A "one size fits all" mentality doesn't work behind the dish—you need a setup tailored to your frame to stay safe and perform at your peak.

How to Dial in Your Fit:
The Helmet: Measure your head circumference to ensure a snug fit that won't shift during high-impact plays.
Chest Protectors: Measure from the base of your neck to your navel. The throat guard should sit high and flush to ensure maximum coverage.
Leg Guards: Best measured while seated; find the distance from the center of your kneecap to the top of your cleats. Ensure the harness cradles the back of your calf for stability.

The Bottom Line: Don't guess—measure. Visit your equipment manufacturer’s website for full sizing charts to ensure your chosen equipment is actually your smartest investment.

Check your gear today! Does your current setup pass the test? 📏🧤
www.DiamondBackstopAcademy.com

09/07/2026

09/06/2026

🔥 THE OFF-SEASON IS WHERE LEADERS ARE BUILT. 🔥

2026 SSC All-Conference
⚾ Argo HS
🎓 2027 Uncommitted
⚾ 18U IL Hawks

Scott doesn’t wait for the season to start to become a leader.

He puts in the work when nobody is watching — building his game, strengthening his confidence, and preparing himself to be the teammate others can follow.

The goal isn’t just to have a great season.
The goal is to BE READY to lead when the season arrives.

Keep putting in the work, Scott.
Keep setting the standard.
Keep modeling the way.

Challenge. Change. Compete.

www.DiamondBackstopAcademy.com
Champion Craft Coaching
Illinois Hawks Baseball/ Hawks Fastpitch
Argo Community High School
Steve Burchill
Diamond Backstop Academy

09/05/2026

⚾ CATCHERS — ARE YOU READY TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF?

Whether you’re 11U, 14U, High School, or College, the goal is the same:
-CHALLENGE YOURSELF.
Push outside your comfort zone.
-CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE.
Build better habits. Improve your game.
-LEARN TO COMPETE.
Not just in practice — but when the pressure is on.

Catching is more than receiving a baseball.
It’s leadership, athleticism, confidence, preparation, and toughness.

At Diamond Backstop Academy, we help catchers become better athletes, better catchers, and better competitors.

🔥 Don’t settle for where your game is today.
Find out how you can ELEVATE YOUR GAME.

🥎⚾ 11U | 14U | HIGH SCHOOL | COLLEGE
CHALLENGE. CHANGE. COMPETE.

www.diamondbackstopacademy.com
www.championcraftcoaching.com

Champion Craft Coaching
Steve Burchill

09/03/2026

Soft hands" aren't just a coaching cliché—they’re a physics equation. ⚾️🔬

Most players think soft hands come from the wrists. The reality? It’s a ground-up biomechanical chain.

✅ The 18-Inch Rule: Keep the glove 18-24” from your body to balance reaction time with leverage.
✅ The "Funnel" Angle: A 15-20° downward slope allows your elbow and shoulder to act as natural shock absorbers.
✅ Quiet Feet, Soft Hands: If your base is unstable, your brain creates "stone hands" to compensate.

Science shows that the best infielders don't just "feel" the ball—they dissipate energy through eccentric muscle contractions.

Stop fighting the ball. Start absorbing it. 💎
Read the full article: https://www.diamondbackstopacademy.com/home/drills-skills-just-getting-better/nuggets-of-knowledge/soft-hands

08/31/2026

The Catcher's Bag

🛡️ The Essentials (The Armor)
-Mask/Helmet: Ensure all screws are tight and the cage isn't bent.
-Chest Protector: Check the clips and straps for any fraying.
-Leg Guards: Make sure all buckles are functional and the knee padding is secure.
-Catcher’s Mitt: Your primary tool—always keep it conditioned.
-Back-up Mitt: Never go to a tournament without a broken-in secondary.
-Protective Cup: The most important piece of "gear" you’ll ever own.

🛠️ The "Fix-It" Kit
Extra Laces & Glove Needle: For mid-game web blowouts.
Glove Oil/Conditioner: To keep the leather responsive.
Wristband/Signal Armband: For keeping track of the game plan.

🌡️ The Catcher’s Pharmacy
Rosin Bag: Keep your hands dry for a better transfer.
Sunscreen & Lip Balm: Crucial for those afternoon doubleheaders.
Recovery Tools: Lacrosse ball or small massage gun for between-game resets.

💡 Pro-Tip:
The "Night Before" Rule: Never pack your bag the morning of a game. Pack it the night before and do a "Gear Dump" on the floor to visually confirm you have every piece of your armor.

What’s the one "weird" item you always keep in your bag? A lucky charm? A specific snack? Let us know below! 👇

www.DiamondBackstopAcademy.com

08/27/2026

"The Catcher’s Gear Detox"
Post 3 of 3

The Glove—Treat It Like Gold (Leather Care)
Your glove is your livelihood. Don't neglect it. 🧤💰

The Wipe Down: Use a damp (not soaking) cloth to remove the surface dirt after every game.
The Conditioner: Once a month, apply a tiny amount of high-quality glove conditioner. Focus on the pocket and the laces.
The "No-Go" Zone: Never, ever soak your glove in water or "bake" it in a microwave to soften it. You’re destroying the fibers.
Storage: Store it with a ball in the pocket to maintain the shape during the off-season.

"What's the one glove oil you swear by? Drop the brand in the comments! 👇"

www.DiamondBackstopAcademy.com

08/25/2026

"The Catcher’s Gear Detox"
Post 2 of 3

The "Showroom Shine"
Battle scars are cool; grime is not. ✨🛡️

The Shin Guard Scrub: Use a soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works great) and soapy water to get the dried mud out of the rivets and hinges.
The Helmet Cage: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the mask bars. Sweat salt eats away at the paint/coating over time, leading to rust.
The Finish: A quick wipe with a plastic-safe shine spray (like what you’d use on a car dashboard) makes your gear look brand new for Opening Day.

"Show us your 'Opening Day Glow.' Tag us in your clean gear photos! 📸"

www.DiamondBackstopAcademy.com

08/20/2026

Catchers are notorious for having the smelliest gear in the dugout

"The Catcher’s Gear Detox"
Post 1 of 3

Defeating the "Catcher Stank"
If your teammates can smell you from the dugout, it’s time. 🤢🧴

The "Liner" Rule: Most modern chest protectors and helmets have removable pads. Pull them out!
The Wash: Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Never put them in the dryer (it melts the glue and ruins the foam).
The Spray: For the stuff that doesn’t come out, use a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar or a specialized gear spray (like Clear Gear).

Pro-Tip: Hang your gear in a shaded, breezy spot. Direct sunlight can make the plastic brittle over time.

"Scale of 1-10: How bad does your gear bag smell right now? Be honest. 👇"

www.DiamondBackstopAcademy.com