Actually Blocking Balls in Dirt Correctly

I don't know how to attach videos, if someone knows please tell me. Anyway, if anyone has had this problem, how did they correct it? Thanks...

Hey catch,
That still happens from time to time with me.Sometimes it takes a bad hop,sometimes its just the playing surface.

Even though it still happens to me once in a while,I do this.I make sure my arms are turned facing the pitcher and upwards(in simpler terms,whats usually the top of my arm if I extend it straight infront of my face is now turned away from the pitcher,and what would be facing down if extended infront of my face is now up facing the plate/pitcher.)This deadens the ball a bit better and it doesnt hurt as much either.Its going to happen once in a while,but make it hit the "fat" bottom part of your forearm if you for whatever reason cant take it in the chest

Unfortunately this is always going to happen...alot more than you wish.

Just from the sound of your explanation, you're not getting centered on the ball as you block particularly if its the fastball dinging you the most. Usually a FB doesn't come up but rather skips low so you may check the playing surface around the plate (front/back/side) and smooth out any rough areas. You should always do this anyway before a game and anytime during the game you notice a bad spot. Doesn't take but a couple seconds. If it's a rec/public field bring a bucket a clay/infield mix to fill holes and pack down...yeah takes a little extra work but you're a catcher so you're used to it.

Curveballs will tend to kick higher and remember the curve will kick back (kicks to the pitchers throwing side). If it's the curve getting you, remember to be aggressive blocking the curve and attack the ball to reduce the angle and height of the bounce. The mechanics are about the same as blocking a fastball except a curveball you want to get on top of...usually by coming forward as you drop. A fastball just drop straight down as you don't want to add force to the pitch but absorb it.

You also may want to wear the longer sweatbands on each forearm just for some added protection...also comes in handy during the summer having two sweatbands.

You mention "anticipating" the fastball....not trying to read too much into the statement but there shouldn't be any guessing what the pitch is as you called it ( I hope). 90% of blocking is pitch recognition so you know to block vs. pick vs. catch the ball; takes time and experience ( which is painful at times)to get where blocking becomes a reflex more than a thought. Catching bullpens with all the pitchers speeds up the process as you get to see more pitches and deliveries. Hesitation kills a catcher...if in doubt, block.

I made alot of broad statements above...none of which may be the problem. They're a good starting point until we can see a video.

My bad for being ambiguous, but I meant I anticipate the fastball in the dirt...Thanks

Catch43,
Looking at your profile I see you're at least a senior in HS, probably in college by now. What does your position coach say when he watches you block? Granted he won't feel your pain ( not in the job description) but he should be able to say if you're fundamentally sound as far as mechanics are concerned. My guess is that you're doing everything pretty much right mechanically but have run into a stretch that you're getting dinged more than usual.

Don't go macho stupid in practice working on blocking...dings in practice hurt just as much as those in a game, probably more. Some coaches get stupid about blocking drills...usually does more harm than good unless the catcher has some big problems. Remembering that pitch recognition is the key to blocking efficiently, working bullpens will help. Work the pens like a game, blocking when needed ( make a game out of it such as men on base, tying run at 3rd so you change stances alot; come up ready to throw)so you can match recognition with mechanics. Recognition will help the "anticipation" thing.

If a pitcher isn't focused and is a "catcher killer" that day, get in his face if needed ( send an initial message by how hard you throw back to him to get his attention; in other words knock his butt off the mound. If that doesn't work make a "house call" and motivate him). Yeah, the game is in the pitchers hands but you are responsible in seeing that he focuses and does his job. Mixture of therapist/taskmaster/Mother Superior kinda says it. Don't wait for the game...it applies in the bullpens also, but to a lesser degree. Some pitchers see bullpens as a chance to *** around....catchers don't have time for that so don't put up with it.

If you are still catching at your age, I doubt that anything is wrong except a string of pitches that have your name on them. Stay aggressive blocking and you'll be fine; get back behind the plate asap.

What....you expected a shoulder to cry on? Nahhh, not going to happen. Strap the gear on and cowboy up. Ain't no magic secret to it that you don't already know. If I knew of one I'd charge $ for it. Don't miss practice because you're dinged unless the trainer pulls you out; get a pad of some sort and get back to it. The only catchers without bruises are the ones that sit on the bench.

Consider the above "tough love" advice from someone that has walked in your shoes more than once. And yes, it chapped my butt when I heard it. Chapped butt/bruised ego aside, if it's broke it won't get fixed sitting on the bench. If you are willing to show videos of your mechanics on the web, something tells me you have what it takes to handle it. Good luck.

Hey, good post! I'm a freshman in college and my coach made me take off from last Wednesday till Monday (tomorrow) because I couldn't extend my throwing arm all the way.

I think you're right about the bad stretch part- I definitely don't want to be headcase. I've gone through phases like that about hitting and I almost killed myself over the changes I put myself through- I'm done with that...

About motivating the pitcher: I caught a 30 minute bullpen and the pitcher threw 6 balls in the dirt. But they came in bunches of 2, then a minute a part. And the last 2 were scattered. He deserved some talking to, but there was a coach right by the mound watching and coaching. How am I supposed to start motivating him? Shouldn't the coach be doing that? It would be disrespectful if I did...

Some pitchers do not respect the fact that you have a tough job. Catching bullpens without having to block every other pitch is tough enough. And some pitchers understand and respect what you do. Its easy to tell the difference. If a guy is bouncing everything up there and acts like its no big deal then I would definitely send him a message. I would shoot a seed back first around knee high. This way he catches it in the pocket of the glove and it stings a bit. If it continues bounce a seed back to him. If he complains tell him to drop and block it or start throwing strikes. There is difference in a guy that is just having a hard time finding it and a guy who could careless what your having to deal with. Its easy to see in their demeanor on the hill and the way they react to a pitch you have to block.

Thats true coach may.Luckily all of the pitchers I catch usually say "my bad" or they grunt and get mad at themselves for missing low in the dirt.We had one guy my freshman year who transferred but he was arrogant about missing low.Glad hes gone

you're going to get hurt like this... its just a part of the game.. try to get stimulation on it to break up the scar tissue and get on a band workout to keep the muscle from losing tone from bruising, while increasing flexibility

everyone gets ding and foul tips, but we accept them as part of the position. one thing i could recommend is that when you do get into your position, get big with your chest -- push it out, not curling in your shoulders. if you do this, your forearms will sit on the area where your legs and hips connect and disappear when you block.. you will get more out your chest protector that way and your forearms wont get abused

quote:

Some pitchers do not respect the fact that you have a tough job. Catching bullpens without having to block every other pitch is tough enough. And some pitchers understand and respect what you do

Sorry coach but thjat is dead wrong. The coach is telling the pitcher to throw in the dirt at that level. They call it a wild pitch but it is most often intentional.

I agree with catcha your technique is wrong. I have watched catcher drills for years and they all do as catcha says. Their arms are protected and they try to force the ball down and keep it in front limiting the ball kickout. My son always respects his catchers and he throws in the dirt regularly.