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Hmmm. Just got back from Kent State watching college fall ball. I did not see a single catcher calling her own game. BUT - that's college ball, and that's just the way it is.
Up until 14u, catchers need to be taught not only how to be an effective catcher, but also how to read and "set up" batters with their pitcher. At 14u, cut them loose a little - let them start calling, BUT keep a leash on. Some are very good by 14u, some haven't a clue. It's a great part of the learning process - the "why" of throwing a certain pitch and location.
If and when they get to the college level, they won't be calling pitches anyway. But by having called pitches before, they'll be a much smarter catcher, and it will make a coaches job much easier.
Up until 14u, catchers need to be taught not only how to be an effective catcher, but also how to read and "set up" batters with their pitcher. At 14u, cut them loose a little - let them start calling, BUT keep a leash on. Some are very good by 14u, some haven't a clue. It's a great part of the learning process - the "why" of throwing a certain pitch and location.
If and when they get to the college level, they won't be calling pitches anyway. But by having called pitches before, they'll be a much smarter catcher, and it will make a coaches job much easier.