Partner Toss and Catch

A Fun and Safe Drill to Help 6-7 Year-Olds Master the Basics of Throwing and Catching

The Partner Toss and Catch drill teaches young players to throw and catch with consistency while having fun and staying safe. Working in pairs, they practice the fundamentals and build confidence.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (for safety and ease of catching)
  • Gloves (if the players are comfortable with them, otherwise start without gloves)
  • Markers or cones (to mark distances as players progress)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Players pair up and stand about 8-10 feet apart (for beginners, closer if needed).
  • Ensure enough space between pairs to prevent any accidental interference.
  1. Safety Setup:
  • Use soft baseballs or tennis balls to reduce the risk of injury.
  • Ensure all pairs have adequate space to move without overlapping with other pairs.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Initial Positioning:
  • Players begin with a soft, short toss, focusing on accuracy rather than power. Coaches should ensure players stand at a comfortable distance where they can make throws easily.
  1. Toss and Catch Execution:
  • One player starts by tossing the ball underhand to their partner, aiming for the chest area.
  • Their partner catches the ball and returns a toss in the same manner.
  • After a few successful tosses, encourage players to take a small step back to increase the distance.
  • As players progress, they can practice catching with their gloves or even try gentle overhand throws.
  1. Make it Fun:
  • To keep it exciting, introduce mini-challenges, such as “How many catches can you make in a row without dropping?” or “Can you make a perfect chest-height toss?”
  1. Repetitions:
  • Players should toss and catch for about 2-3 minutes at each distance, then gradually increase as their skills improve. Aim for a total of 10-12 minutes to maintain attention and enthusiasm.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Partner Toss and Catch drill is essential for teaching young players the fundamentals of throwing and catching. At this age, building confidence is as important as learning proper technique. The controlled environment and focus on short, accurate throws help players develop key skills without feeling rushed or pressured. This drill lays the foundation for more advanced throwing and catching drills as players grow.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Hand-Eye Coordination: Consistent tossing and catching improve players’ ability to track the ball.
  • Accuracy and Consistency: Focusing on a small target helps players develop precision in their throws.
  • Confidence in Catching: Soft balls and controlled tosses make catching less intimidating and more fun for young players.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Safe for Young Players: The use of soft balls and close proximity makes the drill safe and confidence-building.
  • Encourages Cooperation: Working in pairs fosters teamwork and helps players feel comfortable with a partner.
  • Gradual Skill Building: Allows players to progress at their own pace, making it inclusive for all ability levels.

Cons:

  • Limited Movement: Since players stay in one place, they don’t work on moving to the ball, which could be introduced in later drills.
  • Risk of Distraction: Young players may lose focus, so keeping the drill fun and engaging is crucial.

Coaching Notes & FAQs

Coaching Tips:

  • Encourage Eye Contact with the Ball: Remind players to keep their eyes on the ball from toss to catch.
  • Make it Fun and Lighthearted: Keep the mood upbeat and encouraging to prevent players from feeling pressured.
  • Teach Soft Hands: Encourage players to cushion the catch by bringing their hands in, which helps reduce drops and increases control.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if a player struggles to catch the ball?
  • For beginners, use a softer, slower toss and move closer to reduce the challenge. Reinforce the importance of watching the ball and relaxing their hands.
  1. Can I use gloves for this drill?
  • Yes, but starting without gloves can help build confidence. Once they’re comfortable catching with their hands, introduce gloves to progress their skills.
  1. How can I keep young players engaged during the drill?
  • Make it interactive with fun challenges, like counting consecutive catches or awarding points for accuracy. High-energy encouragement and positive reinforcement go a long way with young players.
  1. How often should this drill be used in practice?
  • This drill is great as a warm-up and can be incorporated into every practice to build comfort and consistency with throwing and catching. Repetition is key at this age.

The Partner Toss and Catch drill is a foundational exercise for 6-7 year-olds, promoting safe, fun skill development that builds confidence in throwing and catching. With consistent practice, young players will improve their coordination and control, creating a solid foundation for their baseball journey.