Being able to throw the ball to the bases to get baserunners out is an important skill for a catcher. Even if we can’t get the baserunner out, a catcher who an execute this skill well can have a serious impact on the other team’s running game by making them less willing to attempt to steal bases.
Throwdowns consist of several parts. Decision making, footwork, the transfer of the ball from the glove to the throwing hand, and the throw itself. This article is going to focus on a drill to help teach a fast transfer and a fast, accurate throw.
We’ll start off describing a right-handed catcher. Have the athlete kneel down on their right knee with their left leg up. They will hold their glove out in front of their body.
From here, the coach or another player will toss the baseball to the catcher’s glove. The catcher will quickly move the glove and throwing hand towards their right ear, transfer the ball to the throwing hand, and then quickly throw the ball back to their partner or coach.
Things to focus on with this drill:
- Transfer takes place near the right ear.
- Catcher needs to make their “L” by getting their arms in the throwing position.
- The throw needs to be fast but accurate.
- Focus on following through with the throwing arm after releasing the ball.
This is a great drill to do with baseballs of different weights to teach better control, better throws, and to train them to move more quickly.
This drill stands alone, or it can be a great warm up progression. First isolate the hands. Then move into a quarter squat (the next blog), then perform the full movement.
For a left handed catcher, things are reversed. The catcher will kneel on their left knee with their right leg up. They will hold the glove in front of their body. They will make the transfer next to their left ear, making a throwing “L” with their arms, then they will also make a fast and accurate throw focusing on the follow through.
