High school
Catching
All positions
Intermediate
Catching 101 Blocking Progression (Straight, Side, Half-and-Half, Hockey Goalie)
Four progressive blocking drills used by University of Louisville catchers: straight-ahead, glove-side and arm-side laterals, random air/dirt reaction, and rapid-fire hockey-goalie style.
- Equipment:
- Ball only
- Duration:
- About 12 min
- Setting:
- Indoor
- Players:
- Partner
Coaching notes
Coach works from ~15-25 ft. Catchers practice pure middle blocks, then lateral blocks that force getting around the ball to keep it in front, then random air-or-dirt throws that demand reaction rather than guessing, finishing with high-volume hockey-goalie stops.
Objectives
Build reliable middle and lateral blocking technique, reaction time, and the aggressive mindset required to keep the ball in front under pressure.
Coaching cues
Get out to the ball and around it so the block redirects toward the plate; react—do not guess on half-and-half; do whatever is necessary to stop the ball on hockey-goalie reps.
Common errors
Staying too upright; failing to get around the ball on laterals; guessing instead of reacting; stiff body on rapid-fire.
Steps
- 1. Straight-ahead blocks (coach on knees 15-25 ft, balls at middle of plate)
- 2. Glove-side lateral blocks (45° angle, bounce outside outside knee)
- 3. Arm-side lateral blocks (mirror)
- 4. Half-and-half (random air or dirt, no pattern)
- 5. Hockey-goalie rapid fire (posts as goal, stop everything)
