05-31-2008, 02:06 PM
We do not expect our catcher to catch every lowball in the dirt, but we do expect him to block them so theydon't get through to the backstop letting runners advance.
- Technique for blocking the low pitch right in front of you
- Fall to your knees.
- Glove into the ground like a "pitch fork."
- Meat hand behind glove.
- Relax your chest.
- You are not trying to catch the ball, you are trying to block it.
- Your chest protector acts as your glove
- Keep your body square to the ball.
- Hunch your shoulder forward.
- Keep your chin down, so the ball doesn't fly up and hit you in the throat.
- Direct all balls back toward home plate Keep the ball in front of you! If it's in front of you, you can still make a play.
- Technique for blocking the ball in the dirt inside or outside
- Jab step with the near-side foot
- Drive off the opposite leg Stay low Get "around" the ball
- Direct the ball back towards home plate