Shuffle Throws

A Drill to Improve Throwing Momentum, Balance, and Accuracy While Moving Side-to-Side

Shuffle Throws focus on helping players practice throwing while moving laterally, reinforcing momentum, balance, and body control. This drill is ideal for developing smooth, accurate throws from various fielding positions.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 8-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs
  • A target to throw to (a net, another player, or a coach)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Players should start about 10-15 feet from the target.
  • Players line up, each taking a turn to complete a series of shuffle throws.
  1. Drill Area:
  • Designate a clear, open area for the drill to ensure there’s enough space for lateral movement without interference.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Starting Position:
  • The player begins with their feet shoulder-width apart, holding the baseball in a throwing-ready position.
  1. Shuffle Movement:
  • The player performs 2-3 shuffles laterally (side-to-side) while maintaining an athletic stance, focusing on keeping their shoulders aligned with the target.
  • After the shuffles, the player stops, plants their back foot, and completes a throw to the target.
  1. Repetition and Rotation:
  • Players should perform 6-8 throws per set, alternating between shuffling to the left and to the right. After each set, players can rotate to allow others to take turns.
  • For each repetition, emphasize control over speed. The goal is to maintain balance and make an accurate throw.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Shuffle Throws drill is designed to help players improve their throwing accuracy, balance, and body control while moving laterally. This is particularly useful for infielders who often have to move side-to-side before making a throw. By practicing this drill, players learn to keep their momentum under control and make accurate throws without losing balance, even when moving quickly.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Momentum Control: Teaches players to generate controlled momentum, using their legs and core to maintain balance while shuffling.
  • Throwing Accuracy: Improves the ability to throw accurately from different angles and body positions.
  • Body Control and Footwork: Reinforces the importance of foot placement and body positioning for accurate throws in dynamic fielding situations.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Improves Lateral Mobility: Helps players develop better movement and agility, especially for infielders who often throw while moving.
  • Builds Throwing Consistency: Encourages accurate, consistent throws even when the player is on the move, translating well to game situations.
  • Enhances Balance and Core Strength: Teaches players to control their body while throwing, building core stability.

Cons:

  • Challenging for Beginners: Younger or less experienced players may struggle to maintain proper balance and coordination during the drill.
  • Risk of Overuse Injury: High repetition can strain the shoulder if proper mechanics aren’t maintained, so monitor players closely and encourage rest when needed.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize Control Over Speed: Remind players to focus on accuracy and balance rather than rushing through the drill.
  • Proper Footwork is Key: Encourage players to keep their feet under them, with weight evenly distributed and knees slightly bent. Proper foot placement and balance will lead to better control over the throw.
  • Keep Shoulders Aligned: Make sure players keep their shoulders pointed at the target throughout the shuffle to avoid throwing off-balance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the player is struggling to maintain balance?
  • If a player struggles with balance, have them slow down their shuffles and focus on planting their feet before the throw. Over time, as they become more comfortable, they can increase their speed.
  1. Can this drill be adapted for younger players?
  • Yes, younger players can benefit from this drill but may need a slower pace. Encourage them to take fewer shuffles (1-2) and focus on balance and accuracy before adding more movement.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • Running this drill 1-2 times per week is ideal, especially for infielders. It can be a great addition to footwork drills and other throwing exercises.
  1. Is this drill suitable for outfielders?
  • While it’s primarily an infield drill, outfielders can also benefit from practicing throws while moving laterally. It’s helpful for improving agility, accuracy, and balance in all throwing situations.

The Shuffle Throws drill is a valuable tool for building momentum control, balance, and accurate throws. By practicing regularly, players will develop the ability to make consistent, accurate throws while on the move, preparing them for various in-game scenarios.