Top 5 Catcher Blocking Drills (Turn Passed Balls into Brick Walls)

If you can't block, you won't play as a catcher.

Blocking is one of the most important skills you can have. If your catcher isn't blocking consistently, you'll give up extra bases and lose more games.

If you don’t know who I am, my name is Anj Bourgeois and I’m the founder of Catching Made Simple. I transitioned from infield to catcher my Junior year of college, having never caught before, and now have a passion for teaching other catchers the fundamentals of the game.

I’ve helped thousands of catchers get into a better stance, learn the fundamentals of the game, and get their mindset right.

By the end of this article, you’ll learn the 5 best catcher blocking drills that will help you become a more effective catcher on the field.

1. Pre-Set Blocks

The first drill on our list is pre-set blocks. To perform this drill, start by going on your knees and working on bringing your hips back and your glove down. By repeating this motion and adding in a ball, catchers can improve their blocking technique and ensure they are ready to make the play when called upon.

Tips for proper execution:

• Make sure your hips are high and your hands are high when starting.
• Bring your hips and glove back and down to block the ball.

Benefits for catchers:

• Improved blocking technique
• Increased readiness to make plays
• Better reaction time

2. Side to Side Slides

The second drill on our list is side to side slides. This drill involves lateral movement and decision making, which is essential for catchers to be able to block balls that are to the left or right of them. By practicing this drill, catchers can improve their reaction time and overall blocking skill.

Tips for proper execution:

• Start in a good catching stance.
• Practice sliding to the left and right.
• Make sure to keep your hips low and slide on your shinguards

Benefits for catchers:

• Improved lateral movement
• Proper blocking technique
• Increased lateral blocking range

3. Twist and Block

The third drill on our list is twist and block. This drill involves reacting to a ball that is coming in from behind and to the side. By twisting and blocking the ball, catchers can improve their reaction time and make sure they are in position to make the play.

Tips for proper execution:

• Have the catcher in a secondary stance facing the other direction.
• When they throw the ball, twist your body 180 degrees to see the ball.
• Quickly make your read to block

Benefits for catchers:

• Improved reaction time
• Better positioning

4. Inch Worms

The fourth drill on our list is inch worms. This drill is both a blocking and mobility drill and can help catchers become more comfortable moving to block in a single knee stance. By practicing this drill, catchers can improve their overall blocking ability and mobility on the field.

Tips for proper execution:

• Start in a single knee stance.
• Push and slide your shin guard along the ground.
• Practice going both ways and leading with your glove.

Benefits for catchers:

• Improved mobility
• Better blocking ability
• More comfort in a single knee stance

5. Rapid Fire Side-to-Side

The fifth and final drill on our list is rapid fire side-to-side. This drill involves using multiple balls to simulate a game-like scenario, where catchers need to move quickly and efficiently to block balls. By practicing this drill, catchers can improve their footwork and become more comfortable making quick movements on the field.

Tips for proper execution:

• Have someone throw balls in rapid succession back and forth/side-to-side.
• Make sure to stay low and in a good catching position.
• Practice moving quickly to block each ball.
• Focus on sliding on your shin guards.

Benefits for catchers:

• Improved footwork
• Better ability to block multiple balls
• More comfort with quick movements

3 Common Mistakes in Blocking

In addition to these specific drills, it's important for catchers to understand the most common mistakes in blocking and how to avoid them. These include:

1. Improper technique
2. Poor positioning
3. Lack of focus

By being aware of these mistakes, catchers can work to improve their blocking ability and become more effective on the field.

Best Catcher Blocking Drills

By incorporating these top 5 blocking drills into your practice routine, you can improve your blocking technique and become a more effective catcher on the field.

These drills are specifically designed to improve your mobility, reaction time, and overall blocking ability.

So what are you waiting for? Start practicing today to improve your skills and become a better player.

Next Steps to Becoming a Better Blocking Catcher

You came wondering what the best blocking drills were.

Now you know my top five favorite blocking drills and the three common mistakes to avoid.

At Catching Made Simple, I create content, courses, and coaching programs to help thousands of catchers increase their mobility, strengthen their mental game, and develop the physical skills they need to catch at a high level.

Book a call for a free 15 minute Catching Consultation with Anj if you want to get an expert take on what you need to do to get better.

And if you’re not yet ready to talk with me, check out these other resources:

• 7-Day Stance Challenge to get a stance like the pros in 5 min a day
• 5 Must-Have Catching Stances every catcher needs!
• 4 Steps to Choose a Catching Coach