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Lesson 2:
The "Big 4" of Blocking
The "Big 4" of Blocking include:
1. Mindset - You gotta have no fear and expect the ball to be in the dirt so if it is, you're ready for it. Sometimes you still earn that "Catcher's Ink" Represent yours proudly! We even have our very own swag- "Catcher's Ink Shirt"
2. "Catch it with your belly button" - Do what you gotta do to make it hit you somewhere around your belly button. That will allow you to control the ball and keep it close. Sometimes you will drop or replace and sometimes you will fold or attack depending on the depth of the pitch.
3. Body position and posture - Knees wide, hips down and back, feet toed out. Mitt between the legs blocking the five hole and protecting the cup area. Posture changes depending on depth of pitch. Pitches right underneath (almost make it to the catcher), drop or replace. If the pitch is shorter (near home plate), fold or attack to cut down the distance between where the ball is hitting the ground and where the catcher sets up.
4. Recover & Retrieve - Use the technique that works best for you to get back to your feet and retrieve the ball as quickly as possible. Sometimes you hop, sometimes you press out or walk out and sometimes you use your hands and arms and do a "gorilla walk."
If you can be consistent with these four keys to blocking, you will have a lot of success at keeping the ball close and runners on their bases.
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Be a Wall: Mastering the Art of Blocking is a complete training system designed to turn catchers into difference-makers behind the plate. Blocking is one of the toughest and most defining skills of the position—and this program gives players the tools to master it with confidence. Built around four core components—stances & set ups, blocking fundamentals, hip mobility & strength, and game-teste...
