How to do the drill
- 1
Squat in your catcher's stance 3–5 steps (6–10 feet) from a wall.
- 2
Throw a tennis ball low so it bounces in the dirt on the way back.
- 3
Drop both knees, mitt between them. Round your shoulders and tuck your chin so the ball hits your chest and drops.
- 4
On balls to the side, step out at an angle and turn your chest back to the middle.
- 5
Do 25. Count every block that lands within a step or two of you, out of 25.
Coaching cues
- Mitt in the hole.
- Chin tucked, shoulders round.
- Soft chest.
What good looks like
The ball drops within a step or two in front of you, and your hands stay out of the way.
Safety
Hard on the knees. Use a soft surface and stop at about 30.
Why this drill
Tennis balls give young catchers lots of blocking reps without the fear.
Next catching drillSoft Hands Receiving with Tennis Balls →
