How To Block From A Single Knee Stance (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Blocking pitches effectively is a critical skill for catchers at all levels of baseball. How difficult it is to block depends on your stance. If you’re on to use the single-knee stance, you may be wondering how to block from that position. As a college catcher, I frequently used the single knee stance and was able to block from it.

At Catching Made Simple we try to make the complex skill of catching as simple as we can. Catching Made Simple has helped over 100 catchers with the virtual catching methods and courses.

Here, I'll break down three main methods for blocking from one knee, along with advice on who should be using this technique.

@catchingmadesimple

How do I block from one knee? There’s 3 main ways: 1. Drop your knee up 2. Block from your single knee stance 3. Slide side to side from your single knee

♬ Paris - Else

Three Main Ways to Block from One Knee

1. Traditional Block (don’t use this one!)

• How It Works: From the one-knee position, you can drop the knee that is up to transition into a traditional blocking stance.
• When to Use: I don’t typically recommend this technique because it turns your hips and can make you block it to the side. Instead, try the other ones listed below.

2. Static Block

• How It Works: If the pitch is coming straight at you but is likely to drop short, you can stay in the one-knee stance and use your body to block the ball.
• When to Use: This method is best for pitches that are close to the body, allowing you to control the ball effectively without needing to shift your position.

3. Lateral Movement

• How It Works: For pitches off to the side, push off the foot opposite to the direction of the pitch, slide along the shin, and center the ball to block it. Make sure to stay light on your feet if the ball is coming to the side with the knee up.
• When to Use: This approach is for handling pitches that stray to the sides of the catcher. It requires quick lateral movement to be effective.

Should You Block from One Knee?

The appropriateness of blocking from one knee largely depends on your experience and skill level:

College and Varsity players, you should know how to do this.

If you’re a younger player or still struggling with fundamentals, focus on mastering a good stance first. Transitions to more advanced techniques like one-knee blocking as your core skills solidify.

Single Knee Blocking Drills

For those interested in refining their blocking techniques, consider the following steps:

• Practice Each Method: Regular practice of each blocking style will help determine which works best for you in different situations.
• Use Training Tools: Utilize drills and tools that enhance your agility and reaction times. This makes it easier to adapt to whichever blocking method is needed.
• Checklist: For a structured approach to improving your blocking, grab the blocking checklist.

@catchingmadesimple How do you block from a single knee stance? 🤔 Here’s a few tips that I focus on when blocking from a single knee ✅ #catching #blocking #singlekneestance ♬ original sound - Coach Bougie ⚾️

Next Steps to be a Single-Knee Blocking Beast

Understanding when and how to block from one knee is a valuable skill that can greatly enhance a catcher's effectiveness.

Remember, the best catchers are always learning and adapting, so take this knowledge and apply it to your practice and games.

If you want more help on how to get better at catching faster, check these out

• Blocking Made Simple Course
• How To Lateral Block (Side to Side)
• Top 5 Blocking Drills