How to Block Side to Side: The Easiest Way to Lateral Block

One of the hardest balls to block in baseball is not the balls right at you, but the balls to the side. In face most of the balls you will have to block will not be right in front of you.

If you've noticed your lateral block looking a bit awkward, don't worry—you're not alone, and it's a fixable issue. We’ve helped 100’s of catchers improve their blocking.

Here’s a straightforward technique to refine your movement and improve your effectiveness: "Walk Your Knees Down."

@catchingmadesimple How to lateral block: walk your knees down. Knee, knee, feet behind. Keep your chest and shoulders square! #baseball #baseballcoach #baseballtiktoks #catching #baseballtips ♬ Walk It Talk It - Migos

Step-by-Step Guide to the "Walk Your Knees Down" Lateral Block Technique

The "Walk Your Knees Down" method is about precision and fluidity in your movements. By breaking down the action step by step, you can transform an awkward block into a smooth, controlled motion. Here’s how to do it:

From Your Secondary Stance

1. Initiate the Movement to the Left: Begin in your secondary catching stance, which is mostly used when there are runners on base and you need to be ready to react quickly.
2. Right Knee Down: Move your right knee towards the ground first. This is your initial step that sets the direction of your block. You always want the opposite knee to go down first. If you block to the right, then your left knee goes down first.
3. Left Knee Down: Follow by bringing your left knee down. This movement helps in maintaining balance and control. Again, if you are blocking the opposite way, your right knee would follow your left.
4. Feet Slide Behind: As your knees touch down, let your feet slide back slightly. This helps stabilize your posture and prepares you for the next move.

Keeping Hips and Shoulders Square

A common mistake is opening our hip and shoulder angles to the side. This is from the one knee coming down and one knee being up.

It’s important to keep your hips and shoulders square to the pitcher throughout this movement. This alignment ensures that you stay centered and balanced to maximize your ability to block the ball effectively.

Train The Movement: Slow, then Fast

• Slow Motion Practice: When practicing, start by performing the movement slowly. Think: "Knee, knee, feet behind." This slow practice helps you feel each part of the motion. It helps nail down the technique and get your body accustomed to the movement.
• Full Speed Execution: Once you're comfortable with the slow-motion movements, begin to practice at full speed. This will be how you execute the block in a game scenario, so it's essential to feel confident and fluid at this speed. If you get stuck, you can always go back to the slow motion practice.
• For further resources on how to get better at catching quickly, check out the Catching Made Simple Method.

Next Steps to Becoming a Better Blocker as a Catcher

You came in wondering how to block from side to side.

Now you know the "walk your knees down" technique for lateral blocking.

If you're looking for more help on your catching skills, then check out the Blocking Made Simple Course, my varsity plan for catchers or the Super Simple Guide to Catching.

If you liked this, you might also be interested in:

• Top 5 Blocking Drills for Catchers
• Catcher Progression Drills
• Catching Made Simple Varsity Plan

Stay focused, keep practicing, and let’s perfect those blocks!