Catching Drill: Basic Blocking (Baseball & Softball)
Fundamental catching drill teaching basic blocking technique for balls in the dirt directly in front of the catcher.
How to Run This Drill
- Catcher in full gear in catching position (home plate optional)
- Coach/partner with baseballs 30 feet in front of the catcher
- Coach/partner throws the ball into the dirt right in front of the catcher
- Catcher gets their body behind the ball and drops to their knees to block the ball, keeping their chest over the ball, chin down, and their glove covering the gap between their knees
- Catcher places each ball off to the side and gets back in the catching position to receive the next pitch
Coaching Points
- Drop to knees quickly when ball bounces
- Get body behind the ball
- Chest over the ball, create an angle down
- Chin tucked to chest - "bite the ball"
- Glove covers gap between knees
- Every block saves a base - it matters
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Categories
Catching
Focus Areas
Blocking
Age Groups
11-1213-1415-1617-1818+9-10
Players
1-5 players
Difficulty
intermediate
Equipment Needed
- Catcher’s Gear
- baseballs or softballs
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