Blocking

Question
Can you tell me what the keys to becoming a great blocking catcher are. By this I mean, mental thinking and technique. Thank you very much.

Answer
The mental key to blocking pitches is to think, "Don't CATCH the ball!!!".  A catcher will get into good position to block the ball, but as the ball bounces they raise their glove and try to catch the ball.  You ideally want the ball to hit your chest protector, bounce straight down, and pick it up directly in front of you.  If you constantly remind yourself, "don't catch the ball, block it" you will have a great deal more success.

Technique wise the key to blocking pitches is to get to your knees quickly.  Keep a wide foundation.  Use your glove to block the five hole and place your throwing hand directly behind the glove.  Your shoulders should roll forward to create a concave area for the ball to hit into your chest.  Your elbows swing outward to make yourself wider.  Your head follows the path of the ball and your chin should be in your chest at the point of contact with the ball.

I hope this helps.  The best way to improve this is by practice, practice, practice.  We work a minimum of 25 blocked pitches into our practices for catchers EVERY day.

Best of luck this season.

Coach Stauffer
Macomb Baseball