High school
Catching
All positions
Beginner
Top 5 Blocking Drills for Catchers (Knee Slides to Block/Receive)
Progressive blocking series from basic hip slides through decision-making block-and-receive reps.
- Skill:
- blocking mobility recovery
- Equipment:
- Ball only
- Duration:
- About 12 min
- Setting:
- Indoor or outdoor
- Players:
- Partner
Coaching notes
Five drills: knee slides, inchworms, preset blocks, sets of three, and block/receive combinations that build from movement patterns to game-speed decisions.
Objectives
Develop soft blocking technique, lateral mobility, and the ability to keep the ball in front while preparing to throw.
Coaching cues
Hips back; chest over the plate; glove down and soft; lead with the glove on lateral blocks; recover quickly.
Common errors
Hips too high; turning the knee down and opening the gate; stabbing at the ball instead of absorbing it.
Steps
- 1. Knee slides: slide hips back while staying balanced
- 2. Inchworms: progressive lateral slides from single-knee stance
- 3. Preset blocks: start in blocking position and receive
- 4. Sets of 3: rapid lateral blocks
- 5. Block/Receive: block then transition into a receive or throw
