In this video, Coach Madden from YouGoProBaseball.com and Leo Rojas, a professional catcher, discuss essential blocking techniques for catchers. Proper blocking prevents runners from advancing, making it a critical skill, especially for younger players.
Key Takeaways and Drills
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Glove-First Technique: Initiate the block with the glove, as if catching a ground ball, to avoid being late. Ensure a good posture, keeping your chest up to direct the ball into your body.
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Replace Feet with Knees: Use this more aggressive technique for sharp breaking balls, ensuring you quickly get in front of the ball.
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Reaction Time Drill: Practice quick reactions by duck-walking and stepping up rapidly after hitting the ground. This enhances explosiveness and reduces the time to recover after a block.
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Addressing Fear: Use tennis balls to help catchers who are scared of blocking, focusing on maintaining good form to improve confidence and reduce the likelihood of getting hit.
Timing is crucial in blocking. Avoid guessing where the ball will bounce; instead, react to the ball’s actual trajectory. A helpful drill involves slowly rolling the ball to the catcher, who reacts upon seeing its direction, promoting better timing and positioning.
For more tips on improving your baseball skills, visit BaseballSkillsHub.com.