Catcher Pop Time and Blocking

As for the throwing mechanics, try both ways.  Use the one which leads to a faster pop time and/or more accurate throws. 

 

For blocking, try just falling forward. Some coaches don't like it because it may project the ball forward.  But it is simple to learn and do -- no thinking.  My kid learned both ways and after a pro catcher showed him the falling forward method, he said "coach make blocking really simple." 

Start thinking that you want to replace your knees to where your feet are.

I've used the method of replacing my feet with my knees but I prefer the falling forward method.

Thank you. I have tried both before but I'm not sure which one works better according to the stop watch. As for blocking I just don't know how to fix my problem of jumping up when I block in the game compared to when I block most of the time by falling on my knees.

Dropping straight down gives you the chance for softer blocks. Most kids can already block pretty well. The ones the stick out can block the ball softly keeping the ball close. 

Wesley,

Regarding footwork, both ways are taught but the jab step has become the more common method.  The foot replace, in the opinion of many, is too much unnecessary lateral movement.  That said, there is also the alternate method that should be learned with outside pitches where the right foot stays in place (no shuffle/jab) and the momentum and direction of the pitch allows the catcher to just continue turning and stepping into the throw.

 

Regarding blocking, you don't want to jump up at all but most often, you can't just fall forward/down either - rarely is the pitch perfectly straight in front of you.  You want to square the ball up so the block is both a drop and an athletic lateral movement.

 

To illustrate both, check out the "catching 101" videos on youtube by Barksdale who is also a contributor here.  The visuals in his videos are very good.  At the end of the blocking drill video, there is a hockey drill.  This drill will help you get quicker and stop from jumping up.

The biggest thing about blocking is 'don't try to catch it'.  Kids jump up when they try to catch the ball in their mitt.  Use your glove to cover the hole between your knees and don't try to use the mitt to catch the ball.  Roll your shoulders forward and tuck your chin.  Tucking your chin allows the ball to hit your mask and go straight down instead of glancing right or left. 

In the games are you doing in on every pitch in the dirt or only ones you don't expect?  In other words, if it is a curve or change up are you ready to block it.  Or are you forced to block spiked fastballs?   

 

Also, do you block in bullpens? 

This is good advice, don't be lazy during bullpens, work on your blocks. It needs to become a reaction. 

Another thing that may help is to put your weight on the opposite foot from the direction you expect the pitch to travel (right hander curveball, put your weight on your left foot) this will allow you to pick up your right foot and step over.  Most don't think about this.  They put weight on their right foot then fall to the right.  Same thing but opposite with the lefty curveball breaking from right to left.  Now put weight on your right foot. 

I do all this, its just that in the game I just have a tendency to jump instead of falling forward, it's an old bad habit that will have to die hard.

I try to anticipate that the ball will be thrown in the dirt, I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. I do block in bull pens. Here is a link to my YouTube video of me blocking and receiving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho09idIZea4

I will continue to work on it, unfortunately haven't caught a bull pen in 2 weeks or had a game in that long also. Check out my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho09idIZea4

I have heard this before, but I forgot which way to set up my weight, thanks for the reminder, I haven't thought about that in the game..yet! Check out my blocking and receiving video and tell me what you think. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho09idIZea4

Thank you!! I will do the drill ASAP, meanwhile, check out my blocking and receiving video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho09idIZea4

Thank you, I will try to work on keeping it closer to me. Check out my blocking video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho09idIZea4