Young catchers think throwing is all in the arm; but often footwork that can make all the difference in throwing accurately.
Use these three drills in practice to help young backstops keep their throws on target and help keep runners off base.
Drill No.1: Catcher With Ball
The catcher starts out with the ball in their glove. Coach will be in front of the catcher.
The coach will instruct the catcher to use either load and throw or jump pivot. The catcher will execute the footwork and throw to a partner. Make sure to work both methods of throwing footwork.
Drill No.2: One Knee Partner
Catcher at home plate. Partner or coach a few feet in front on one knee.
Partner or coach will toss ball to catcher who is already in their stance. The catcher then will catch the ball and execute proper throwing footwork and throw to another partner.
Being on one knee and tossing the ball will allow the partner or coach to put the ball exactly where they want to work. Also, this will assist the catcher in working on both types of throwing footwork.
Drill No.3: Medium/Full Toss
Coach will stand half-way to the mound or on the mound and throw pitches to the catcher who has already assumed their stance. The catcher will execute footwork determined by the pitch and throw to a partner behind the coach.