How does a catcher block a ball in the dirt?
Blocking means dropping to the knees, getting the body in front of the ball and keeping it close. The videos show the technique and drills for it.
What it looks like: Trying to catch balls in the dirt with the glove alone, so they get by.
5 videos
Braves Training Series | Catching: Blocking The Ball with Johnny Estrada Catcher Blocking Drills - Catcher Fundamentals Series by the IMG Academy baseball program (4 of 6) Catcher Blocking Catching Drills - Blocking Baseball Softball Catchers Blocking - Chad Moeller
Where these videos come from
- Atlanta Braves: The Atlanta Braves’ channel; its catching lessons are taught by former All-Star catcher Johnny Estrada.
- IMG Academy: IMG Academy’s baseball program, at the sports boarding school in Florida.
- Ripken Baseball: Cal Ripken Jr. and Bill Ripken’s youth baseball company; both brothers played in the major leagues.
- Antonelli Baseball: Matt Antonelli, a first-round draft pick who played in the major leagues for the San Diego Padres.
- ChadMoellerBaseball: Chad Moeller, a former major-league catcher who teaches young players.
Each video plays in YouTube's own player, in its privacy mode, and nothing loads from YouTube until you press play. The titles are the channels' own.
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Training for it
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