Catching Drill: Slow Rolls (Baseball & Softball)
A blocking drill where the coach rolls the ball slowly, forcing the catcher to wait and then react at the right moment instead of cheating toward where they expect the ball.
How to Run This Drill
- Catcher sets up in the stance in full gear
- Coach rolls the ball slowly toward the plate; catcher waits, then reacts and blocks
- Do five slow rolls down the middle, five to the inside and five to the outside
- Coach mixes it up with harder throws and more hop as the catcher improves
- Once warm, after the block have the catcher get up, find the ball and find the runner
Coaching Points
- Wait, wait, react: the slow roll stops the catcher from cheating toward the ball early
- Hips square to the part of the plate the ball is headed
- Shoulders rounded so the ball drops back in front
- Younger kids can do it without being afraid of getting hit
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Categories
Catching
Focus Areas
BlockingTiming
Age Groups
9-1011-1213-1415-1617-18
Players
1-4 players
Difficulty
beginner
Equipment Needed
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