Title
This drill teaches catchers the correct body mechanics for blocking pitches in the dirt without needing a live ball.
Compilation
If this video stacks several distinct drills back-to-back, split it into individual, draggable drills — each with its own clip, steps, and tags.
Coach's take
Great for building: Catcher blocking body mechanics, specifically achieving the chest-over-ball position and maintaining a glove-down technique.
Builds toward Confidently blocking pitches in the dirt, preventing passed balls and advancing runners in game situations at higher levels.
What it is
A catcher starts in a secondary stance, then quickly drops to their knees, blocks an imaginary ball with their chest, and keeps their glove down. The catcher resets to the secondary stance to repeat the motion for multiple reps.
What it practices
Develops proper blocking footwork, chest angle, and glove positioning for pitches in the dirt, reinforcing muscle memory for quick reactions.
Focuses on improving
Corrects hesitation in dropping to the knees, ensures the chest is properly angled over the ball, and reinforces keeping the glove down to prevent ball rebound.
How to run it
3 sets of 5-8 reps per blocking direction (straight, left, right).Setup
- 1Catcher positions themselves in a secondary stance, directly in front of an imaginary home plate.
- 2Ensure enough clear space around the catcher to safely drop to the knees and extend forward.
Run the drill
- 1From the secondary stance, react as if a ball is coming in the dirt.
- 2Drop both knees simultaneously, leading with the glove-side knee if preferred.
- 3Bring the chest forward, covering the area where the imaginary ball would hit.
- 4Tuck the chin to the chest and look down at the ground.
- 5Keep the glove down between the legs, covering the five-hole.
- 6Reset to the secondary stance to prepare for the next rep.
Coaching cues
- Drop and go!
- Chest over the ball!
- Glove down!
- Chin to chest!
Common mistakes
- Dropping only one knee first, leading to imbalance and slower reaction.
- Sitting straight up when blocking, exposing the mask and allowing the ball to bounce up.
- Lifting the glove or holding it too high, creating an open space for the ball to get through.
- Not tucking the chin, risking injury from a ball bouncing off the chest.
Progressions
- Add a coach rolling or soft-tossing tennis balls or wiffle balls.
- Incorporate side-to-side blocking movements, requiring the catcher to shift before blocking.
- Require the catcher to recover to their feet after each block, simulating a throw to a base.
Coach notes