Catchers first step

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PaPa Pump

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Jul 29, 2014
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I have a kid that has a great arm but her transition and first step are incredibly slow. Does anyone have any drill/advise on how to improve this. I was suggesting some agility drills in general. Ladder/ hurdles etc.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
What direction is her first step? What are her feet doing during the throwing process? Is she starting from a full squat, or using a "runners-on" position in throwing situations? How old is she?

For the young catchers I work with, I start them standing up with their feet spread apart about shoulder width or a little wider. The first move is to slide the right foot to the middle (under the body), turning the foot so the instep faces the target. Then, step toward the target as the throwing arm draws back. Throw.

I start this in a step-by-step process and have them repeat it 3-5 times to get the movement pattern programmed before I have them speed it up into one flowing movement. What we want to see happen is the hips and shoulders rotating as the right foot slides under the body, loading into the rear hip to set up a powerful throw. Once they get the movement pattern established, I have them work the same pattern from a "runners-on" position. Executing the pattern in slo-mo is a critical step to being able to perform at game speed.
 
Apr 23, 2012
104
0
As Eric mentioned above make sure the process is correct, while in turn working on the quick twitch muslces with speed and agility drills.

The process was always correct with my DD but she was just slow getting through it. I've seen a huge improvement in my DD's transtion speed by implimenting 2 hours of speed and agility drills per week.

Here is a link of some great speed and agility drills that you can get her to do...

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAuburnSoftball/videos

One thing DD does that isn't on the videos is she goes through the process like Eric mentioned above but holds a 10lb med ball in her hands and has a back pack on with a 20lb med ball in it, going through the motions first slowly 5 times 1/2 speed 5 times full speed 5 times and repeats. She does 3 sets of this twice a week.

Hope this Helps.....
 
Mar 23, 2010
2,019
38
Cafilornia
All good stuff.
You really want to work on the whole thing, get the NECC DVD and go through that. Too many things happening at once not to have the whole package to point her right.

First guess, I'd take a look at the runners-on stance and compare. If she's on her toes and too low, she's working out of a hole.

Any speed and agility will help, but I'd suggest catcher-specific mechanics first. If it's a conditioning issue, she'll at least start out quick with the right mechanics, then slow down as she tires. Both are covered on the DVD.
 
Mar 23, 2010
2,019
38
Cafilornia
Sorry for the confusion, We are doing the catchers drills etc, She has a cannon arm but her footwork, although correct is SLOOOOOOOW! Any advise on how to speed her feet is appreciated, I see some of the advise and its along the same lines of what Im thinking!

Thanks!

Gotcha. Afraid I have no light to offer there, pardon the smoke ;-)
 

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