Coach Weaver's video spends a fair amount of time on teaching blocking balls in the dirt. Base paths and runner speed being what they are, it would seem like a catcher should try to dig balls with the glove unless maybe there is a runner on third.
Runner on 1st or 2nd (and NOT 3rd), a blocked ball has the same effect as a passed ball in that the runner likely advances one base. My experience is that a dropped ball rarely ever turns into a 'caught stealing'. If the catcher attempts to glove a ball in the dirt, she MIGHT have come up with it cleanly and keep the runner from advancing.
Assuming no runner on third, is it better to have the catcher do as her title implies, or effectively lay down a bunt by blocking what she might have caught? I'm dealing in 12u for purpose of discussion.
Thanks,
VW
Runner on 1st or 2nd (and NOT 3rd), a blocked ball has the same effect as a passed ball in that the runner likely advances one base. My experience is that a dropped ball rarely ever turns into a 'caught stealing'. If the catcher attempts to glove a ball in the dirt, she MIGHT have come up with it cleanly and keep the runner from advancing.
Assuming no runner on third, is it better to have the catcher do as her title implies, or effectively lay down a bunt by blocking what she might have caught? I'm dealing in 12u for purpose of discussion.
Thanks,
VW