Catch the Coach’s Toss

A Fun and Safe Drill to Help 6-7 Year-Olds Practice Tracking and Catching Pop-Ups

The Catch the Coach’s Toss drill introduces young players to catching pop-ups by tossing light, easy-to-catch pop-ups, focusing on hand-eye coordination, tracking, and basic catching skills. This drill is designed to be fun, engaging, and safe for young players.

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)
Time Estimate: 8-10 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft, lightweight balls (such as tennis balls or foam balls) to ensure safety
  • A small, open area free from obstacles, ideally on grass to cushion any falls
  • Gloves (optional, based on each player’s comfort and skill level)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Players line up single file, spaced a few feet apart to allow for movement.
  • The coach stands about 10-12 feet away, facing the first player in line.
  1. Safety Considerations:
  • Ensure players are spaced apart so there’s no risk of colliding.
  • Use soft balls to reduce any risk of injury, making the drill safe and enjoyable.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Tossing Technique:
  • The coach should toss the ball with a gentle, high arc to simulate a pop-up. The toss should be light enough for players to easily track the ball in the air and move under it.
  • Vary the direction slightly to encourage players to adjust to different angles, but keep the tosses within a manageable range.
  1. Player Execution:
  • The player in line steps forward, watches the ball closely, moves under it, and catches it. Emphasize using both hands to catch the ball for added stability and control.
  • After catching the ball (or making their best attempt), the player returns to the end of the line, and the next player steps forward.
  1. Rotations and Repetitions:
  • Each player should get 3-5 turns in a row, allowing time to build confidence and comfort. Depending on group size, the drill can be repeated for 8-10 minutes.
  1. Fun Variations:
  • Add a point system to make it engaging, where each successful catch earns a point. Players can try to beat their own scores or team up for a fun group challenge.
  • Introduce different types of “catches,” like “superhero catches,” where players pretend to dive for the ball (safely), or “quiet catches” where they catch the ball as silently as possible.

Why You Run This Drill:

Catch the Coach’s Toss is a foundational drill that helps young players develop key skills in tracking and catching, both essential for outfield play and overall coordination. By learning to follow the ball through the air and position themselves properly, players improve their reaction time, spatial awareness, and confidence in catching fly balls. This drill introduces catching in a gentle, supportive environment, ensuring players feel comfortable while they learn.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Tracking: Players learn to keep their eyes on the ball, helping them understand how to follow it through the air.
  • Catching with Control: Using both hands reinforces stable catching and proper glove use.
  • Footwork and Positioning: The slight movements required to get under the ball encourage young players to adjust their feet and body, improving their agility and readiness.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Safe for Beginners: Soft balls reduce the chance of injury, and the controlled tosses make it an ideal introduction to catching.
  • Builds Confidence: With easy, consistent tosses, players gain confidence and feel accomplished when they make successful catches.
  • Fun and Interactive: Simple variations like scoring or themed catches keep the drill engaging for young players.

Cons:

  • Limited to Basic Skills: This drill is great for beginners but may not challenge more advanced players as much.
  • Requires Close Supervision: Ensuring proper spacing and monitoring tosses closely is essential for safety and focus.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Use Encouragement: Catching can be intimidating for beginners. Encourage each player, whether they make the catch or not, and celebrate their effort.
  • Focus on Tracking: Remind players to keep their eyes on the ball from the moment it leaves the coach’s hand. Using phrases like “watch it all the way in” can help players stay focused.
  • Demonstrate Proper Form: Show players how to get their hands under the ball, keeping fingers pointed up, and using two hands when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if a player is nervous about catching?
  • Start with very soft tosses or allow the player to practice catching from a stationary position first. Reassure them that it’s okay to miss and focus on effort over results. Using soft balls also helps reduce fear of the ball.
  1. How can I keep this drill fun and engaging?
  • Adding fun challenges, like catching with “silly faces” or giving each successful catch a point, keeps players engaged. Celebrating each catch or attempt with a high five or words of encouragement also boosts enjoyment.
  1. Is this drill effective for other age groups?
  • While it’s ideal for 6-7-year-olds, this drill can be modified for slightly older or younger players. For older players, increase the difficulty by tossing balls a bit higher or with a slight spin.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • This drill can be incorporated 1-2 times per week in practices, especially as players build their catching fundamentals. It’s an excellent warm-up activity or filler drill that keeps younger players engaged.

Catch the Coach’s Toss is a safe, fun, and effective way to teach young players the fundamentals of tracking and catching. With regular practice, players will feel more confident catching pop-ups, laying a solid foundation for future fielding skills.