Quick Toss Throwing

A Drill to Develop Quick Release Skills, Especially for Infielders

Quick Toss emphasizes a rapid ball release, essential for infielders to make quick and accurate throws. This drill improves reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and footwork to enhance defensive play under pressure.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 5-8 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs or training balls
  • Gloves for players
  • Cones or markers (to designate positions and distances if needed)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Position players in pairs, standing about 10-15 feet apart, or have the coach work directly with each player.
  • Ensure there’s enough space for players to safely practice quick, short throws to each other without interfering with other drills.
  1. Area Requirements:
  • Use a flat area with enough room for rapid ball exchanges. Infield dirt or turf works best for infield-specific drills.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand close enough to observe and give immediate feedback, or pair players up in lines for efficient practice.
  1. Quick Toss Execution:
  • Start by having one player (or the coach) toss a ball softly to the fielder, who must catch and release it quickly back to their partner or the coach.
  • The fielder should focus on transferring the ball from glove to hand rapidly, using a short arm action to release the throw without winding up.
  • Tosses should be continuous to keep the player engaged and challenged, simulating quick, game-like conditions.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Run the drill for 1-2 minutes per player, or until they’ve made 10-15 quick releases. Rotate players to ensure everyone receives practice and rest.
  1. Variations:
  • As players improve, you can shorten or lengthen the distance between them, add lateral movement, or introduce double-play situations where the player has to pivot and throw to a second target.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Quick Toss drill is designed to build a fielder’s ability to catch and release the ball quickly, a crucial skill for infielders when turning double plays or making throws on the run. Developing a quick release minimizes the chance for base runners to advance and helps defenders make plays under pressure. This drill also encourages players to improve their footwork, hand-eye coordination, and glove-to-hand transfer speed, essential for a polished infield performance.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Quick Release: Enhances the ability to get the ball out of the glove and into the air with minimal delay.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: Improves focus on making rapid catches and accurate throws.
  • Footwork and Balance: Encourages stable, controlled footwork to support a quick, effective throw.

Pros and Cons of the Quick Toss Drill:

Pros:

  • Builds essential skills for infielders, such as quick release and hand-eye coordination.
  • Keeps players engaged with a fast-paced, game-like drill.
  • Can be adapted for different ages and skill levels by adjusting toss speed and distance.

Cons:

  • Requires close supervision to ensure proper technique, as players may rush and lose accuracy if unsupervised.
  • Some younger players may struggle with the pace initially, making it challenging to keep control and accuracy.
  • The quick movements may lead to overuse if repeated too often without variation, so balance with other fielding drills.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Fundamentals: Remind players not to sacrifice accuracy for speed. Emphasize proper technique, ensuring players maintain balance and control during each throw.
  • Emphasize a Clean Transfer: Make sure players transfer the ball smoothly from glove to hand without hesitation. A quick transfer is the foundation of a successful quick release.
  • Encourage Soft Hands: Players should use soft hands to absorb the toss and keep the ball close to their body for faster release.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if players are struggling with accuracy?
  • If players are having trouble with accuracy, slow down the toss and reinforce proper mechanics. Emphasize the importance of controlled, accurate throws rather than trying to go too fast.
  1. Can this drill be used for outfielders?
  • While it’s particularly useful for infielders, outfielders can also benefit from quick release drills, especially when fielding short throws or making relay throws. Outfielders may practice this drill with a longer distance and fewer repetitions.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • Use this drill 1-2 times per week to reinforce quick release skills without overdoing it. Balance with other infield drills to ensure comprehensive development.
  1. How can I make this drill more challenging for advanced players?
  • For advanced players, increase the toss speed, add footwork challenges (e.g., catching on the move), or introduce simulated double plays where they catch, pivot, and throw to a second target.

The Quick Toss drill is a fundamental exercise that every infielder should practice to improve their reaction time, accuracy, and ability to make quick, decisive throws. By incorporating this drill into regular practice, players will gain confidence in their defensive skills and develop into more reliable infielders.