We are believers that static and stationary blocking drills are complete “eyewash”. Kind of like hitting off a tee. The ball is never not still. You need to become an ‘elite problem solver!’
Dear Catcher,
This is Mr. Coach. How dare you do a deflection with your mitt on the 100mph FB spiked at 56’ feet. You need to first get off your knee, slide your body over with two knees down, tuck your chin, and get your barehand behind the ball!
-
Reality: Nice athletic game-saving stop. Do what you gotta do!
Catch first, Stop it second.
Hands move faster than the body!
I’ve never met a pitcher that tried to intentionally throw a fastball in the dirt.
I have clear reasons for believing the technique on the right is superior to the one on the left. A common counterargument is that the excessive glove movement makes it difficult for the pitcher to locate their pitches accurately. However, I maintain that we're now several years into a shift where catchers can and should actively influence pitch outcomes and at-bats, ultimately preventing runs. It's astonishing that this is still debated. A simple visual comparison should make the advantages evident.
The Talon Drill is a highly effective drill for catchers struggling to find a consistent grip on the ball. This drill helps to isolate the top half of the body while still executing the pre-pitch motion.
The Drill:
An affective drill to do when struggling with finding a consistent grip on the baseball.
Here's AL Platinum Glove winner Cal Raleigh performing this drill. Notice that he's isolated the top half while still executing his pre-pitch.
If your hands aren't big enough, try using a racket ball or lacrosse ball.
“The separation is in the preparation!”
Guy is 38 years old, over 10+ years of service time in the big leagues. Playing winter ball, and he’s working!!