Being able to throw the ball quickly and accurately to the bases is a critical skill for a catcher. Being able to do this can result in outs and can help disrupt the other team’s baserunning. Making mistakes with this can result in extra bases for the other team and even additional runs! In previous posts we have covered how to make catcher throwdowns to second and to third base. In this post we’re going to cover how to do this to first base.
Why is it important for the catcher to be able to throw to first base? Generally there are two important situations for this. The first is during a dropped third strike. Recall that if first base is unoccupied and the catcher drops, or doesn’t catch, the third strike then the runner can advance to first. If the catcher can throw to first that can make sure that out happens.
The second situation is when the base runner has a huge lead and we have a shot at a pick off. We can also do this to make the runner respect our efforts. Either way, this gives us the opportunity for another out.
There are two methods I like for my youth catchers to use on these throwdowns to first base. The first is a standard throwdown and the second is a quick move.
For the standard throwdown, the catcher’s hands need to be next to his right ear (right handed catcher) with the ball in his right hand. The catcher needs to move so that his right foot replaces his left and his left foot steps towards first base. As he does this his hands separate into a throwing position with his glove pointing towards first base. His weight will be back and will shift forward as he throws the ball to first. After releasing the ball I always have the catcher take a few steps towards first to help with focus and follow through.
The quick move is great when we have a baserunner with a big lead. For this move, the catcher is in their receiving stance. The moment they catch the ball they will do several things. They will drop down onto their right knee. The left foot will step towards first. As they step towards first they will be getting their right arm back, ready to throw, and pointing to the base with their glove. Then they will throw the ball to first. This has to be practiced and the first baseman has to be watching for it.
