STAY LOW TO BLOCK THE BALL, AND DON'T TRY TO PICK IT!
There are several important points to properly blocking balls in the dirt as a catcher. When blocking, a catcher has to be mentally prepared to block as well as physically prepared. Before the pitch is thrown if there are two strikes on the batter or an off speed pitch is called, the catcher should be in the "block ready" position. This means the catcher does nothing different in his stance as the ball is on its way, but he will locate his throwing hand right behind his glove for protection and raise his butt a little higher. This is called the alert position for the catcher. Now when the ball goes into the ground he can lead with his hands and the body will follow.
The fingers of the glove should be touching the ground, while the bare hand (your throwing hand) should be behind the glove covering up the "5 hole".
Next, get your butt as low as possible, and have your chest over the top of the ball, so that the ball will be in front of you after you block it. Keep your elbows to the hips to cover any open space and tuck your chin into your chest.
As a catcher, blocking a ball is probably the hardest thing to learn especially at a young age. As coaches, you will have kids who will try to catch or "pick" every ball in the dirt because they are afraid of getting hit by the ball. But, if you develop good blocking skills as a young catcher, then not only will you keep getting better as you get older but you will stand out from everyone else. It's important to develop good blocking skills so that your pitcher has confidence to throw any pitch, in any situation. Also, you need to control the opposing baserunners from running wild and taking extra bases that may hurt you over the course of the game.
Stay low, and don't try to pick it! You'll become a top catcher and help your team win with good blocking skills.
Next, get your butt as low as possible, and have your chest over the top of the ball, so that the ball will be in front of you after you block it. Keep your elbows to the hips to cover any open space and tuck your chin into your chest.
As a catcher, blocking a ball is probably the hardest thing to learn especially at a young age. As coaches, you will have kids who will try to catch or "pick" every ball in the dirt because they are afraid of getting hit by the ball. But, if you develop good blocking skills as a young catcher, then not only will you keep getting better as you get older but you will stand out from everyone else. It's important to develop good blocking skills so that your pitcher has confidence to throw any pitch, in any situation. Also, you need to control the opposing baserunners from running wild and taking extra bases that may hurt you over the course of the game.
Stay low, and don't try to pick it! You'll become a top catcher and help your team win with good blocking skills.
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