How to Block Baseballs

One defensive skill that a good baseball catcher needs is the ability to block a pitch thrown in the dirt. If the ball gets past the catcher with runners on base, those runners can advance or potentially even score. Catchers should practice blocking balls throughout the season so, when the situation arises in an actual game, they can block the pitch effectively. When practicing, a catcher should wear his full gear so that he gets used to moving with the weight of the gear on his body and protects himself, too.

Instructions

    • 1

      Assume the correct catching position. Catchers squat behind home plate so they can catch the ball as it passes through the strike zone. The correct position requires that you be in a squatting position on the balls of your feet. Your knees are bent with the back, chest and shoulders square to the pitcher. The elbow of your glove hand is at about a 45-degree angle with the mitt facing the pitcher.

    • 2

      As soon as the pitcher releases the pitch, read where the baseball is traveling. If it seems lower than normal or looks like it is going to be short of the plate, be ready to block the pitch.

    • 3

      Drop to your knees. The dropping process entails thrusting your feet backward, while allowing your upper body to stay square to the pitcher. Instinctively, your hands will drop down with your arms extending and your palms facing the pitcher.

    • 4

      Align your body with the wild pitch. If the ball is coming straight toward you, then simply stay behind the plate. However, if the pitch is moving toward one side or the other, you will have to slide on your shin guards to properly align yourself behind it.

    • 5

      Plug the hole between your legs. The objective is to keep the ball in front of you at all costs. Therefore, use your glove to plug the opening between your legs so the baseball does not squirt through.

    • 6

      Position your chest so that it remains square to the infield. If you turn your chest and the baseball bounces up, it might squirt off to the side. Keeping your chest square to the infield will raise the chances that if the baseball does make contact with your chest protector it will deaden in front of you.

    • 7

      Block the baseball. As the baseball makes contact with your body, try to keep your eyes focused on where it is hitting you. Impulsively you might be prone to turn away. But keeping your eye on the baseball will allow you to retrieve it quicker.

    • 8

      Grab hold of the baseball. Using your throwing hand, grab hold of the baseball and check the base-runners. If they are advancing, determine if you should make a throw to that base, or if you should simply hold onto the baseball. In most instances you will probably want to hold the ball, rather than forcing an errant throw where the runners advance even further.