Quick Tips: Catching and Throwing fundamentals

Here are 6 quick tips to help teach throwing and catching fundamentals to younger players:

1. Always warm-up properly before beginning any baseball drills. Players MUST warm-up to throw, not throw to warm-up. Taking the time to go through a comprehensive stretching program will protect the muscles of the player’s throwing arm.
    
2. Always use a “4-Seam Grip” across the stitches with fingers on top of the ball.
    
3. Infielders should use a “Short Arm Circle” – never dropping the arms below the waist and keeping the elbows down when throwing. This gives the player the chance to gain a little bit of arm velocity while still making a nice, rapid throw.
    
4. Always show your partner a “Target Box.” Arms at 90 degree angles with hands to each side of the head. This gives him a target to aim for during a throwing drill.
    
5. Keep your knees bent and your feet spread. Be ready for a poor throw by sliding your feet to the side, ensuring that you are always in front of the ball.
    
6. Always trap the ball in the glove with TWO HANDS. If the ball is above the waist, bring the thumbs together to trap it in the glove. If the ball is below the waist, bring the pinkies together.

The more often the correct technique is practiced, the sooner it will become a good habit.

Demand that your players use perfect technique during warm-ups and practice situations so those skills will carry seamlessly into game time situations.