Catcher Footwork and Throwing

A Drill to Improve Catchers’ Footwork and Accuracy for Throws to Second and Third Base

The Catcher Footwork and Throwing drill helps catchers develop the quick footwork and accurate throws needed to catch runners attempting to steal second or third base. This drill builds essential skills for catchers to control the running game and improve overall defensive efficiency.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs
  • Catcher’s gear (mask, chest protector, shin guards, and glove)
  • Bases at second and/or third (for target reference)
  • A coach or teammate to simulate pitches
  1. Positioning:
  • The catcher sets up in their normal catching stance behind home plate.
  • The coach or teammate stands at a reasonable distance in front of the catcher (mimicking a pitcher) and is prepared to toss or soft throw baseballs to simulate pitches.
  1. Target Bases:
  • Place a marker or a coach at second or third base to serve as a target for the catcher’s throws. This gives catchers a visual target to aim for and improves accuracy.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Simulate the Pitch:
  • The coach or teammate softly tosses or throws the ball to the catcher to simulate a pitch. Mix up locations—low, inside, and outside—to challenge the catcher’s reaction and footwork.
  1. Quick Footwork and Transfer:
  • As the catcher receives the “pitch,” they should focus on a quick, efficient transfer of the ball from glove to throwing hand. The catcher must keep their stance low and centered for balance.
  • The catcher should use proper footwork, stepping directly toward the target base with their lead foot while rotating their hips and shoulders to align with second or third base.
  1. Throw to the Base:
  • The catcher makes a quick, controlled throw to the target at second or third base, focusing on accuracy over power. Emphasize that accuracy is critical, as a well-placed throw is more effective than a rushed, wild throw.
  • The catcher then resets quickly to simulate multiple steal attempts, keeping intensity high to build muscle memory.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Run 8-10 repetitions to second base, then switch to third base if desired. Allow a short break in between rounds, giving feedback on mechanics and areas for improvement.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Catcher Footwork and Throwing drill develops the essential skills of quick footwork, clean transfer, and accurate throws for catchers aiming to control the running game. Catchers must be able to throw accurately and quickly to catch base stealers. This drill reinforces the importance of efficient footwork and a quick transfer to improve reaction time and accuracy.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Footwork and Body Control: Catchers learn to move quickly and efficiently while staying balanced, allowing for a fast, accurate throw.
  • Transfer Speed: Practicing the glove-to-throwing-hand transfer builds muscle memory, helping the catcher make quick throws under pressure.
  • Accuracy and Consistency: Consistently throwing to the correct location at the base increases the likelihood of catching runners attempting to steal.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Builds essential defensive skills specific to catchers
  • Helps catchers develop confidence and consistency in controlling the running game
  • Reinforces the importance of accuracy over raw throwing power

Cons:

  • Can be physically demanding due to the repetitive nature of the drill
  • Requires additional setup and at least one other player or coach to simulate pitches
  • High potential for fatigue if done for too long without breaks

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Accuracy First: Remind catchers that an accurate throw is often more effective than a rushed, powerful throw. They should prioritize hitting the target every time.
  • Encourage Efficient Movements: Ensure that catchers avoid unnecessary movements, which can slow down the throw. Efficient footwork and a quick, smooth transfer are key.
  • Vary the Pitch Locations: Simulate low, inside, and outside pitches to prepare catchers for real-game variability. This helps them adjust their footwork and throws from different receiving positions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if the catcher struggles with quick footwork?
  • If the catcher is slow on their feet, have them focus first on balance and smooth movement before adding speed. Practicing without throws at first can help them develop a more controlled, efficient movement.
  1. How can I make the drill more challenging?
  • For advanced catchers, add a stopwatch to measure the time from catch to throw or vary the distance to the bases slightly to challenge their accuracy and reaction speed under pressure.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • This drill is best incorporated into practice 2-3 times per week. Too much repetition without rest can lead to fatigue, so shorter sessions are better for maintaining form and accuracy.
  1. Is this drill suitable for younger players?
  • Yes, but you may need to slow down the speed of the “pitches” and reduce the distance of the throws initially. Encourage younger catchers to focus on consistent footwork and accuracy rather than speed.

The Catcher Footwork and Throwing drill is an essential part of developing skilled, effective catchers who can control the running game. With regular practice, catchers will improve their timing, accuracy, and confidence in throwing out base stealers. This drill is key for any catcher looking to strengthen their defensive capabilities.