Knees Throwing For Players 4-5 Years Old

A Fun, Safe Drill for Teaching Proper Throwing Form to Young Players

The Knees Throwing Drill helps 4-5 year-olds focus on proper throwing form by eliminating the need for full-body coordination. With this drill, players kneel and practice short, controlled throws with a partner, building a strong foundation for future throwing skills.

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)
Time Estimate: 5-7 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft, lightweight balls (such as foam or plastic balls for safety)
  • Cones or markers to indicate starting positions
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Pair up players and have them kneel on the ground facing each other, about 5-6 feet apart.
  • Each pair should be given a soft ball to throw back and forth.
  1. Safety Tips:
  • Ensure the kneeling area is free of debris and soft, if possible (grass or turf is ideal).
  • Remind players to only throw to their partner and keep throws controlled.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Get in Position:
  • Have each player kneel down, with one knee on the ground and the other knee bent for stability. For example, a right-handed thrower should have their right knee down and left knee up.
  1. Focus on Form:
  • Players should hold the ball with their throwing hand, bring it back slightly, and aim for a smooth, controlled throw to their partner.
  • Encourage kids to focus on pointing their non-throwing hand toward their partner as they throw, as this helps with aiming and coordination.
  • After a few throws, switch so that each player gets a turn throwing.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Have players complete 5-10 throws with their partner, focusing on accuracy and soft throws. Keep it short to maintain their attention and enthusiasm.
  1. Make it Fun:
  • Turn it into a challenge: see if each pair can make five successful catches in a row. You can even have them count out loud together as they catch and throw back!

Why You Run This Drill:

The Knees Throwing Drill is a simple yet effective way to introduce 4-5 year-olds to proper throwing mechanics without overwhelming them with full-body coordination. By kneeling, kids can focus on their arm and hand positioning, building a foundation for throwing accuracy and control as they develop. This drill also improves hand-eye coordination, which is essential for baseball.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Throwing Mechanics: The drill focuses on developing good arm positioning, a smooth release, and proper hand alignment, all essential for accurate throwing.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: Kids improve their aim and catching skills by practicing short throws with a partner.
  • Body Control: This drill emphasizes upper body movement and balance, helping players understand throwing mechanics in a simplified way.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Simple Setup: Requires minimal equipment and space, making it easy to implement.
  • Safety: Using soft balls and kneeling reduces the risk of injury.
  • Focus on Fundamentals: Kids can practice key aspects of throwing without worrying about complex movements.
  • Engaging: Short throws are achievable for this age group, building confidence and making the game fun.

Cons:

  • Limited Movement: Because it isolates the upper body, the drill doesn’t incorporate footwork, which is essential for advanced throwing.
  • Short Attention Span: Kids may lose interest quickly if the drill goes too long, so keep it brief and lively.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Keep it Positive: At this age, kids are building confidence, so celebrate their efforts, even if their throws aren’t perfect. Focus on encouraging phrases like “Nice aim!” and “Great throw!” to build their enthusiasm.
  • Adjust the Distance: If kids are struggling to reach their partner, bring them a little closer to ensure successful throws. Gradually increase the distance as they get more comfortable.
  • Demonstrate First: Show them how to kneel and throw properly before starting. Kids often learn best through visual examples.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if my players are still having trouble with accuracy?
  • Encourage them to point their non-throwing hand at their partner as they throw, which helps with aiming. You can also move them closer to make the throw easier.
  1. Can this drill be used with older players?
  • While it’s best suited for younger players, the concept can be adapted to help older kids refine their throwing mechanics by isolating the arm movement. With older players, you can use regular baseballs and increase the distance.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • This drill is great as a warm-up exercise, so consider using it at the beginning of practices a few times per week to reinforce throwing basics.
  1. What can I do to make the drill more exciting for younger kids?
  • Turn it into a game where each successful catch adds a point, or have the pairs count their catches out loud to keep them engaged. You could even introduce a reward, like a high-five from the coach, when they reach a certain number of catches.

The Knees Throwing Drill is an effective and fun way for young players to learn the basics of throwing. By simplifying the movement, this drill helps kids focus on key aspects of throwing mechanics in a safe, supportive environment. With consistent practice, players will build confidence in their throwing abilities, setting a strong foundation for future skills.