CATCHING DRILLS

BLOCKING DRILL
Purpose: To allow the catcher to practice blocking balls in the dirt.
Equipment: Softballs and catching gear
Procedure:

1. Have the catcher start in their catching position.
2. A coach or partner will toss balls in the dirt that the catcher must block.
3. Toss the balls right at her, to her left and right.
4. This drill should be performed for a prescribed period of time or a designated number of repetitions.

BLOCKING DRILL
Purpose: To allow the catcher to practice blocking balls in the dirt.
Equipment: Softballs and catching gear
Procedure:

1. Have the catcher start in their catching position.
2. A coach or partner will toss balls in the dirt that the catcher must block.
3. Toss the balls right at her, to her left and right.
4. This drill should be performed for a prescribed period of time or a designated number of repetitions.

PADDLE BLOCKING DRILL
Purpose: To teach quickness, coordination and to help overcome the fear of incoming pitches.
Equipment: Softballs, catching gear and paddles
Procedure:

1. Have the catcher in the crouch behind the plate in full gear, but instead of a glove, give the catcher a wooden paddle to wear on her hands.
2. The coach fires balls to all corners of the plate.
3. The balls should hit the ground directly in front of the catcher.
4. The catcher blocks each ball with the paddles.
5. This drill should be performed for a prescribed period of time or a designated number of repetitions.

NO HANDS BLOCKING DRILL
Purpose: To teach quickness and coordination when blocking balls.
Equipment: Catching gear and incredible balls, whiffle balls or tennis balls
Procedure:

1. The catcher is in her normal crouch position behind the plate with her hands behind her back.
2. The coach draws a circle in front of home plate where the catcher tries to block the balls and have the balls stay within the circle.
3. The coach throws the balls, (low pitches/short hops) at the catcher.
4. The catcher uses only her chest, legs and shoulder to make the ball stay within the circle.
5. As the catcher masters this drill, move to regulation softballs.
6. This drill should be performed for a prescribed period of time or a designated number of repetitions.

WALL DRILL #1
Purpose: To get the catchers have a flying object coming directly at their face.
Equipment: Catching gear, a wall and softballs
Procedure:

1. Have the catcher stand up against a wall with her chest protector, mask and helmet, with her hands behind her back.
2. The coach stands 1-2 feet in front of the catcher.
3. The coach lightly throws the ball so that it hits the catcher in the mask.
4. This drill should be performed for a prescribed period of time or a designated number of repetitions.

PITCHER

WALL DRILL #1
Purpose: To make sure that the pitcher's glove points straight at the target.
Equipment: Softball and a wall
Procedure: The drill begins with the pitcher standing with her glove arm to the wall. She will do arm circles. This drill provides immediate feedback as to whether or not her arm is straight. This drill should be performed for a prescribed period of time or a designated number of repetitions. Coaching Points: