Five states are testing coach-to-catcher-and-pitcher communication for the 2025 season. These states have been approved to participate in this groundbreaking pilot program.
While NFHS rules currently allow coach-to-catcher communication, a select group of states are pioneering expanded capabilities that include direct coach-to-pitcher communication.
If you’re coaching high school baseball in 2025, this could transform how you call games.
Table of Contents
The Current State of High School Baseball Communication
Since 2024, NFHS rules have permitted one-way electronic communication from coaches to catchers during games. This technology has already transformed how teams call pitches, manage defensive alignments, and maintain competitive advantages by preventing sign stealing.
However, a new pilot program is taking this technology further. Nebraska, Ohio and a select group of states are now testing coach-to-catcher AND coach-to-pitcher communication as part of an experimental program for the 2025 season.
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Why Coach-to-Pitcher Communication Could Change Everything
While coach-to-catcher communication streamlines pitch calling, adding direct communication to the pitcher offers several distinct advantages:
Audio Option Keeps Pitchers’ Eyes Up
When pitchers receive audio instructions directly, they don’t need to look in for signs from the catcher. This allows them to maintain better focus on the target and stay locked in on the hitter.
More Dynamic Instruction
Audio communication to the pitcher enables coaches to provide real-time coaching cues, adjustments, and encouragement without burning mound visits. A quick “trust your stuff” or “work the outer half” can keep a pitcher’s confidence up in crucial moments.
Faster Pace of Play
Direct communication eliminates the delay of catchers relaying signs to pitchers, speeding up the game and helping pitchers maintain rhythm between pitches.
Enhanced Development
Young pitchers benefit from immediate feedback and instruction, accelerating their learning curve and helping them understand game situations as they unfold.
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How to Find Out If Your State Is Participating
- Contact your state athletic association directly – They have the most current information on approved pilot programs
- Check with your athletic director – Many schools receive notifications about rule changes and pilot programs
- Ask your conference commissioner – Regional officials often have early information about state-level testing
Why this matters: If your state isn’t participating yet, don’t worry. The NFHS typically expands successful pilot programs within 1-2 seasons. Early adopters provide the data that helps shape future rules for everyone.
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Pitcher Audio Devices: The Recommended Solution
For pitcher communication, audio devices are strongly preferred over smartwatches or visual displays. Here’s why:
Shokz OpenRun: The Gold Standard for Pitchers
When it comes to audio communication for pitchers, the Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones have emerged as the top choice. Here’s what makes them ideal:
- Open-ear design keeps pitchers’ ears open to the game
- Secure fit that stays in place under a baseball cap
- Won’t fall off during delivery or fielding plays
- Bone conduction technology allows athletes to hear coaches while maintaining awareness of game sounds
- Comfortable for extended wear throughout a full game
While Shokz OpenRun devices are priced higher than basic earbuds ($129-$179), they’re specifically designed for athletic performance and offer durability that justifies the investment.
Alternative Hardware Options
For Catchers:
- Smartwatches (Apple Watch, Android Watch)
- Wired earpieces mounted in catcher’s helmet
- Wireless receivers attached to chest protector
For Coach Communication:
- Smartphone with coaching app
- Dedicated transmitter units
- Headset microphone systems
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Complete Communication Solutions: The Headset App
For teams looking for a comprehensive, NFHS-compliant communication platform, The Headset App offers:
- Audio communication to catchers via earpiece or smartwatch
- Smartwatch pitch calling with customizable pitch menus
- Multiple hardware options to fit your team’s budget
- Baseball-specific features including pitch call menus
- One subscription covers both football and baseball seasons
The Headset App works with existing smartphones and smartwatches, eliminating the need for expensive proprietary hardware while maintaining full NFHS compliance.
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Benefits Coaches Are Seeing
Coaches in pilot states report significant advantages:
Speed and Clarity: “We’re getting pitches called faster and with zero miscommunication. My pitchers know exactly what we want and why we want it.” – High School Coach, Nebraska
Confidence Building: Direct audio allows coaches to provide encouragement and tactical adjustments in real-time, keeping pitchers confident and focused throughout their outing.
Reduced Mound Visits: Teams are preserving their limited mound visits for truly critical moments, using audio communication for routine adjustments.
Player Development: Younger pitchers are learning faster because they’re receiving immediate, contextual coaching during live game situations.
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Making the Switch: Implementation Tips
If your state approves coach-to-pitcher communication, here are key considerations:
- Start in Practice: Let your pitchers get comfortable with the technology during bullpen sessions and scrimmages before game situations.
- Keep It Simple: Start with basic pitch calls and locations. Add complexity as your team becomes comfortable with the system.
- Have Backup Plans: Technology can fail. Maintain traditional sign systems as a fallback.
- Proper Equipment Care: Invest in protective cases and teach players to handle equipment properly, especially devices worn by catchers.
- Battery Management: Ensure devices are fully charged before games and have backup batteries available.
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The Future of Baseball Communication
The expansion from coach-to-catcher to coach-to-catcher-and-pitcher represents the natural evolution of baseball’s technological integration. This pilot program mirrors the path that coach-to-catcher communication took—starting with experimental programs before becoming widely adopted.
As college baseball and professional leagues continue to expand their use of communication technology, high school programs that adopt these systems early are better preparing their players for the next level.
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Getting Started
If you’re a coach interested in implementing communication technology for your baseball program:
- Check Your State Rules: Contact your state athletic association to confirm whether coach-to-pitcher communication is permitted in your state.
- Evaluate Your Needs: Determine whether you need audio for pitchers, smartwatch capability for catchers, or both.
- Choose Your Platform: Look for solutions like The Headset App that offer flexibility, NFHS compliance, and work with hardware you may already own.
- Invest in Quality Audio: For pitcher communication, consider proven solutions like Shokz OpenRun that are purpose-built for athletic performance.
- Plan Your Implementation: Allow time for practice and adjustment before using the system in competition.
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Take Action: What Coaches Should Do Right Now
If you’re in a pilot state:
Explore communication platforms like The Headset App- Budget for Shokz OpenRun or similar quality audio devices
- Start planning your implementation strategy for spring season
If your state isn’t participating yet:
Monitor your state athletic association announcements- Research available technology so you’re ready when rules expand
- Consider using coach-to-catcher communication (currently legal nationwide) as a stepping stone
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Conclusion
Coach-to-pitcher communication represents baseball’s next leap forward. As Nebraska and other pilot states prove its value this season, expect rapid expansion across the country.
The winning combination: Audio devices like Shokz OpenRun for pitchers + comprehensive platforms like The Headset App = a complete, NFHS-compliant solution that enhances performance and accelerates player development.
Don’t wait until your competitors have it figured out. Start preparing now.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether your state is in the pilot program or you’re preparing for future adoption, The Headset App has NFHS-compliant solutions ready for your program.
Visit theheadsetapp.com to learn more about coach-to-catcher and coach-to-pitcher communication options.
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