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ANGLE BLOCKING
PURPOSE: To improve catcher's ability to block balls in the dirt and prevent the ball from getting too far away.
EQUIPMENT: Baseballs SET-UP: Catcher takes their crouch behind home plate, a coach will be out towards the pitchers mound to throw the balls in the dirt. EXECUTION: For this drill the coach will throw balls in the dirt from 3 different angles in an effort to enhance catcher's blocking ability. The first angle is from straight on. To execute this portion of the drill coach simply throws balls in the dirt from straight ahead, catches focus on obtaining proper blocking form and keeping the ball in front of them. After taking repetitions from straight on, the coach then moves just inside the first base line, the catcher still faces straight ahead as if catching a pitch from the pitcher. The coach throws a ball in the dirt from this angle, the catcher must work hard to get their body around it (angle upper body so ball bounces back towards home plate) and keep the ball in front. This will enable the catcher to successfully block balls on the inside part of the plate. After taking repetitions from this side of the plate, coach moves just inside the third base line and repeats drill, this will help catchers with the outside pitch. MODIFICATIONS: For developing players, use tennis balls or softies instead of baseballs. "Blocking a ball in the dirt and preventing runners from advancing saves runs, keeps runners out of scoring position, and can keep the double play in order."
-Coach Tim |
Check out the Angle Blocking Drill Video!
Do you have a question/comment about the Angle Blocking Drill? If so E-Mail me, I'd love to hear from you.
For Developing Players, you may want to consider Softie Baseballs or Tennis Balls!
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