A catcher’s job is to stop all pitches, even bad ones. Blocking is the skill that saves runs. The body goes in front of the ball, not the glove.
What you need: 15 softballs (12”), catcher gear (chest protector at minimum), pitcher at 40 feet.
Setup: Catcher in full gear crouched at home plate. Pitcher 40 feet away.
How to run it:
- Pitcher throws pitches in the dirt intentionally. Low, left, right.
- Catcher uses Eyes, Hands, Squeeze, Pull to track, then drops to block.
- Do 10 pitches low in front of home. Stay on knees and absorb.
- Do 5 pitches left of home. Drop and block with the body angled that way.
- Do 5 pitches right of home. Same technique, opposite side.
- After each block, catcher retrieves the ball and resets.
What to watch: Does the catcher drop onto knees or bend at the waist? Knees and chest should block, not just the glove reaching.
If they’re struggling: Start with the catcher standing. Pitcher throws waist-high pitches so they can see the motion first.
If they’ve got it: Add a runner on third. Practice blocking with a runner and timing a throw home for tag plays.
Gear for this drill (affiliate)
Youth softball glove → — 11-inch fielder’s glove for new players.
Youth catcher’s set → — chest protector, helmet, and leg guards.
Full softball gear guide → — all picks by age, sport, and level.
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