Catching Drill: Block, Recover, Throw (Baseball & Softball)
Advanced catching drill adding actual throws after blocking, developing complete skill sequence for handling wild pitches with runners on.
How to Run This Drill
- Catcher in full gear in catching position (home plate optional), with 4 baseballs spread out in front of them
- Coach/partner with tennis balls 40 feet in front of the catcher
- Coach/partner throws tennis balls into the dirt so that they bounce into the catcher on one hop
- Catcher drops and blocks the tennis ball and picks up a baseball, and throws the baseball to a base or partner, working on getting to the ball, into the throwing position, and rid of the ball quickly
- Catcher places each baseball back in their spot in front of them and gets back in catching position to block the next tennis ball
Coaching Points
- Block tennis ball cleanly
- Recover baseball quickly
- Make accurate throw to base
- Complete the play - block is only first step
- Quick feet from block to throw
- This is a game situation - urgency matters
Quick Actions
At a Glance
- Catcher’s gear
- tennis-balls
- baseballs or softballs
Similar Drills You Might Like
Explore more drills to build your practice plan and develop well-rounded skills
Extreme Catch
Partner throwing game to build arm strength and accuracy. Players throw back and forth, moving to progressively farther cones with each successful catch.
Over Under
Partner drill practicing both overhand and underhand throws. Infielders learn to handle different throw types they may encounter in a game.
Ultimate Throwing Progression
Seven-drill throwing progression from knees to long toss. Build proper mechanics before adding distance and velocity.
Add This Drill to Your Practice Plan
Use our free Practice Planner to build complete practice plans with this drill and 100+ others. Drag and drop to customize timing and order.
Try the Practice PlannerFree forever - No account required