Throwing... The Key To Defensive Baseball - Part II

I. Introduction

Once the players understand the basic mechanics of throwing, then drills must be incorporated into the practice schedule to implement these mechanics. Throwing drills should be used daily after the players arms are completely warmed up. The following drills are examples of those a coach can use to improve individual and team throwing. Of course, not all drills should be used at any one practice, so pick and choose those that meet your needs. Do not tire your players' arms, particularly in the early season.

II. Drills

All throwing should be done in the same direction as a safety precaution.

Toss Drill

Purpose:

1. To teach the proper grip of the ball.
2. To teach players to find the four seams on the ball.

Procedure:

1. Give each player a ball.
2. Players line up side by side along the foul line.
3. Players have their feet in a straddle position on the foul line.
4. Players toss the ball in the air - about head high.
5. Players catch ball with both hands, take the ball out of their gloves establishing their grip as they do so.
6. Players extend throwing hand in front of body for coaches to examine and correct grip if necessary.

Perfect Circle Drill

Purpose:

1. To teach correct arm action.

Procedure:

1. Players are paired off at a distance of 20 feet.
2. Players assume straddle position with feet.
3. Players grip the ball correctly across the seams and extend their throwing arm shoulder high in front of body.
4. Player throws to partner using correct arm action which is: Down, Around, and Over the Top
5. Feet remain stationary while throwing and hand remains on top of ball.
6. Players should not throw too hard... nice soft throws.

Knee Drill

Purpose:

1. To isolate the upper body by having players throw while down on one knee.
2. To make player aware of front shoulders, directional side of body, and proper arm action.
3. To help players establish proper release point by throwing hand toward target.

Procedure:

1. Squad members are paired off and separated into parallel lines facing each other.
2. Lines are approximately 45 feet apart. Adjust distance according to maturity and skill.
3. Designate one line as "throwers" and one line as "receivers."
4. Throwers kneel down on one knee - receivers stand to receive throw.
5. After five or six throws reverse procedure and have receivers become throwers and the throwers become receivers.
6. Check to be sure that the stride leg is in correct position - to the left (RHT) of the imaginary line from the knee to the target.
7. Do not allow throwers to "sit down" on the heel of their down leg while throwing.
8. To assure correct arm-action have throwers rub the thumb of their throwing hand down their shirt to the belt or thigh area. *Coaching Key - Turn the thumb in.
9. Rubbing the thumb down the shirt puts the hand on top of ball, which forces correct arm action.
10. The White Sox say, "Thumb to thigh and reach for the sky."
11. This drill can be used daily if limited to five minutes.
12. Excellent drill to help third baseman develop his throw across the diamond. Third baseman kneels down in line with first base and throws to first base from various distances.

Eyes Closed Drill

Purpose:

1. To emphasize the basic mechanics of throwing - directional side, (shoulder and stride) release point, and throwing rhythm. This drill will teach players to rely solely upon mechanics and rhythm for throwing accuracy.

Procedure:

1. Line players in single file between pitcher's mound and second base in line with home plate.
2. Station a receiver at home plate.
3. Give each player a ball.
4. Players throw one at a time to the receiver.
5. Each player is instructed to throw with his eyes closed to receiver.
6. Have player look at target, close eyes, take his rhythm step, and throw.
7. To be successful, a player must rely upon directional side, (shoulder and stride) proper release, and good throwing rhythm.
8. This drill allows for self-analysis - Ask why throw went where it did.
9. This drill can be used to help position players. Catchers throw to second base with their eyes closed and second baseman can make various pivots and then throw to first base with their Eyes Closed... This should improve confidence!!

Airliner Drill

Purpose:

1. To develop good throwing rhythm and teach players how to get into position to throw by centering on the ball.

Procedure:

1. Players are paired off at a distance of 90 feet. The distance may be shortened or lengthened depending upon skill level and maturity.
2. All players throw in the same direction!
3. Players make soft looping throws (not fly balls) to each other.
4. A looping throw enables receiver to catch the ball with ease and have ample time to get body into proper position to throw.
5. Throwing rhythm and position to throw is emphasized on the return throw because accuracy is dependent upon both.
6. Good drill for outfielders! Again throws should be looping or arcing, not fly balls.

Rapid-Five Drive Drill

Purpose:

1. To develop quick hands and a quick release by learning to carry the throwing hand next to the glove and having the body in position to throw by centering on the ball.

Procedure:

1. Players are paired off at a distance of 45 feet.
2. All players throw in the same direction - one ball per group.
3. Players throw against time - 15 seconds.
4. The pair with the most throws in 15 seconds - wins! *Coaching Keys: Catch the ball! Get a hold of it! Throw it! In rhythm!
5. Drill can be used daily - players like competition.

Bounce Drill

Purpose:

1. To develop the technique of imparting proper backspin on the ball and achieving a perfect bounce.
2. To develop the ability to throw low and on the line.
3. To stretch out the arm.

Procedure:

1. Players are paired off at a distance of 90 feet. The distance may be shortened or lengthened depending upon skill level and maturity.
2. Players bounce the ball back and forth to achieve the longest bounce possible.
3. Partners move apart gradually until they reach a maximum throwing distance of approximately 250 feet for mature players and 150 feet for younger players.
4. Distance maximum can be best adjusted by coach. This drill is limited by condition of the playing/practice field.
5. If it is too rough or too wet this will make the drill impractical to use.
6. Excellent outfielder's drill.

Dead Ball Drill

Purpose:

1. To reinforce the mechanics of throwing - grip directional side (shoulder and stride) and rhythm step.
2. To teach players to pick up dead ball with their throwing hand.

Procedure:

1. Station players single file at third base, shortstop, second base, and home plate.
2. First baseman acts only as a receiver and does not participate in throwing.
3. Players may act as first baseman, but we recommend that the coaches become the receivers. This will give first baseman an opportunity to throw.
4. If you use players at first base, use two to keep the drill moving smoothly.
5. Place balls at each infield position and in front of home plate.
6. Place balls in normal fielding positions.
7. The third baseman starts the drill by picking up the ball, taking his rhythm step, and throwing to first base.
8. The shortstop throws next, then the second baseman, followed by those players stationed at home plate.
9. After first baseman receives a throw, he rolls the ball back to the position from which it came. The thrower places the ball back into its proper fielding position, and goes to the back of the line.
10. Rotate player groups from position to position after each player has thrown two or three times.
11. Rotate catchers to 3-B, 3-B to SS, SS to 2-B and 2-B to C.
12. All players throw from all positions.
13. Drill can continue uninterrupted until coach wishes to stop it.

Conclusion - With the proper knowledge of the mechanics of throwing, complemented by good body rhythm a player's throwing will become more accurate and consistent making his defensive play an asset rather than a liability to the team.

NEXT MONTH - THROWING DRILLS Part III

If you have any questions on throwing or any other aspect of baseball please email your questions to Coach Dunn.