Afraid of the ball

Blocking...This is the hardest technical skill a catcher has to learn, and there is a HUGE mental component to it. Willingly putting your body (even with protective gear) in front of a fast-moving projectile about to take a possibly unpredictable bounce is a daunting task. Based on what you have said about her reactions in other areas, I would bet that the mental hurdle of blocking in a game situation is going to be a tough one for this player to cross.

Two words....Flinch Drill. It may seem cruel but it is a necessity for catchers. It doesn't hurt for infielders either. First, have them put their full catchers gear on. Next, show them that no matter what happens, the ball absolutely cannot get through the mask by placing the ball against the mask in various positions and prove it to her that the ball cannot fit through any of the holes. Then explain that the primary protection is in the front of her face. If she turns her head, she's exposing her neck and can have deadly consequences since getting hit in the side of the neck can cause severe swelling which could potentially shut the blood flow off to her brain. Next, have her place her hands behind her back and throw balls softly at the face mask in various areas. Have her not try to flinch and keep her eyes open. Closing the eyes at impact is a normal protective instinct that has to be overcome. Repetition is the key. Once she quits flinching even though the eyes may still close occasionally at impact, move on to throwing balls in the dirt and bouncing them up and into the chest protector. Then, move onto the fielders mask and do the same thing. I wouldn't suggest bouncing them into their unprotected bellies however. They need to believe and trust in their personal protective equipment.

ETA: As far as blocking goes, more often than not it's a combination of poor technique/mechanics and lack of pitch recognition. If you do not know how to instruct a catcher properly in the mechanics involved in dropping and blocking properly, I highly recommend going to www.catchingcamp.com and purchase the download. As far as pitch recognition goes, start from ten feet away and throw balls in the dirt starting at 2' bouncing in front of the plate; down the middle, right and left. Then move on to 2' behind the plate down the middle, right and left. Move back to 20' and repeat. Move back to 30'. Rinse and repeat until you move back to 40' or 43' depending upon the age group. Then mix it up between receiving the pitch and dropping and blocking. About 10 apiece should suffice as far as pitches in the dirt go and about 30 or so mixed. Continue with this drill until she automatically drops. Some girls it can take 50 pitches until it happens, sometimes it can take thousands. It all depends on the girl. The biggest thing is to drill into their head that they should expect every pitch in the dirt until they "flip that mental switch" so to speak. This is also a skill that needs constant reinforcement since they can easily lose pitch recognition over a period of time when not drilled on it.

Flinch drill- I ALWAYS do this with young catchers. When they start getting comfortable, I modify it to lobbing them balls and they intentionally hit the ball with their facemask, similar to heading a soccer ball. it always winds up being fun and the players think I'm nuts, but it works! I suggest they squint rather than close their eyes.

also, try some of the drills in this vdeo with no mask (good for everyone, for that matter)
Don't watch the whole video (unless you want to) just 0:30 - 1:12
good drills to build skills and confidence. (this kid is good, BTW! I think I read on You Tube she was recruited by Notre Dame)

obbay said:

Flinch drill- I ALWAYS do this with young catchers. When they start getting comfortable, I modify it to lobbing them balls and they intentionally hit the ball with their facemask, similar to heading a soccer ball. it always winds up being fun and the players think I'm nuts, but it works! I suggest they squint rather than close their eyes.

also, try some of the drills in this vdeo with no mask (good for everyone, for that matter)
Don't watch the whole video (unless you want to) just 0:30 - 1:12
good drills to build skills and confidence. (this kid is good, BTW! I think I read on You Tube she was recruited by Notre Dame)

Click to expand...

This. The glovework drills at 0:40