Two-Ball Throwing Drill

A Fast-Paced Drill for Improving Hand-Eye Coordination, Accuracy, and Quick Reflexes

The Two-Ball Throwing Drill challenges players to work in pairs, throwing two balls simultaneously to improve their hand-eye coordination, throwing accuracy, and reflexes. This is an ideal drill for 10-12 year old players looking to elevate their infield skills and handle rapid throws and transfers effectively.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★★☆ (Challenging)
Time Estimate: 10-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Two baseballs per pair of players
  • A safe, open space where players have enough room to throw without obstruction
  • Gloves for each player
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Players work in pairs, standing approximately 10-15 feet apart. Adjust the distance based on each pair’s skill level and accuracy.
  • Each player holds one baseball to begin the drill.
  1. Starting Position:
  • Each player should start with one ball in their throwing hand and their glove ready to catch the ball being thrown by their partner.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Drill Execution:
  • On the coach’s signal, both players throw their baseballs to each other simultaneously, aiming for chest level to make it easier to catch and throw in quick succession.
  • Once each player catches the ball from their partner, they immediately throw it back. The goal is to keep the throws going at a steady, continuous pace without stopping.
  • Players should focus on catching and releasing the ball as quickly as possible, working on maintaining control, accuracy, and reflexes.
  1. Pacing and Repetitions:
  • Start with a slower pace until the players are comfortable with the rhythm of catching and throwing simultaneously.
  • Gradually increase the speed as the players get more comfortable, pushing them to react more quickly and enhancing their reflexes.
  • After about 8-10 throws, pause and allow the players to rest briefly before starting the next round. Each round should last 1-2 minutes, with several rounds to build endurance and skill.
  1. Advanced Variation:
  • For advanced players, increase the distance between the partners or alternate the throw types (e.g., chest level, low, or high) to add complexity. This will help players work on adjusting to different throws and reinforce the need for quick adaptability.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Two-Ball Throwing Drill is especially beneficial for infielders who need to develop fast, accurate throwing skills and rapid transfer mechanics. Infielders often need to make quick decisions under pressure, and this drill trains players to handle fast-paced exchanges while maintaining their mechanics. By incorporating two balls, players must stay focused and locked in, enhancing both mental and physical aspects of their game.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Hand-Eye Coordination: The drill requires players to track, catch, and release two balls in quick succession, sharpening their hand-eye coordination.
  • Throwing Accuracy: Players must aim carefully to keep the throws consistent, reinforcing accuracy even under pressure.
  • Quick Reflexes and Transfers: Handling two balls back and forth builds the rapid reflexes and quick hands needed for infield play, particularly for executing double plays or quick outs.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Encourage Quick Hands: Remind players to focus on quick transfers from the glove to the throwing hand, emphasizing that speed is important but should not sacrifice control.
  • Aim for Consistency: Emphasize the importance of consistent throws aimed at chest level. This makes it easier for their partner to catch and throw back quickly, helping both players build rhythm.
  • Maintain Focus: Players should stay locked in on their partner and avoid distractions, as split-second reactions are crucial for success in this drill.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if players struggle with catching and throwing simultaneously?
  • If players find the drill too challenging initially, start with just one ball until they develop a rhythm, then add the second ball. You can also shorten the distance to make it easier for younger or less experienced players.
  1. Can this drill be modified for outfielders?
  • Yes, though it is primarily designed for infielders, outfielders can also benefit from this drill, especially in maintaining quick reflexes and handling rapid throws. For outfielders, try increasing the distance to simulate longer throws.
  1. How can I make this drill even more challenging for advanced players?
  • Increase the speed of the throws, add more distance between the partners, or incorporate different types of throws (e.g., short hops, sidearm throws). These variations will challenge players to adapt their mechanics and accuracy quickly.
  1. How often should this drill be practiced?
  • The Two-Ball Throwing Drill can be incorporated once or twice a week as part of an infield practice routine. This frequency allows players to develop their coordination and reaction times without overloading them, keeping the drill fun and effective.

The Two-Ball Throwing Drill is a fun yet challenging way to build critical infield skills, including quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and throwing accuracy. With consistent practice, players will improve their handling of fast exchanges and their ability to make plays under pressure, giving them an edge as elite-level infielders.