Catching Drill: Bite the Ball (Baseball)
Catching drill emphasizing chin position during blocking, using tennis balls to teach proper head placement and body angle.
Instructions
Catcher in full gear in catching position (home plate optional) Coach/partner with tennis balls 10 feet in front of the catcher Coach/partner tells the catcher to drop and block, then bounces a tennis ball into the catcher Catcher keeps their chest over the ball and their glove covering the gap between their knees, trying to block the ball making sure to keep their chin down on their chest Catcher places each ball off to the side and gets back in catching position to block the next pitch
Coaching Points
- Coach commands "drop and block"
- Catcher drops to block position
- Chin tucked down to chest - "bite the ball"
- Tennis ball bounces into chest protector
- Chest over the ball creates proper angle
- Chin down prevents ball from going past
At a Glance
- Catcher’s gear and gloves
- tennis balls (at least 5)
Quick Actions
Similar Drills You Might Like
Explore more drills to build your practice plan and develop well-rounded skills
Block and Recover
Catching drill combining blocking with quick recovery and throwing motion, simulating game situations with runners.
Catcher Pop Time Drill
Develop sub-2.0 pop time through proper footwork, quick transfer, and accurate throws to second base.
Basic Blocking
Fundamental catching drill teaching basic blocking technique for balls in the dirt directly in front of the catcher.