Throw down to second

Realistically, how often will a catcher not only be able to make the throw to second, but get the runner out? I have heard multiple thoughts on the subject. They are saying at 10 my daughter should be able to make the throw to the glove every single time, most catchers can only make the play 1 in 4 times, that she should come up firing even if the baseman are not there to receive the throw, some say it should go straight to the glove, some say bounce it 8' in front of the plate, etc.

So what have you all found to be the answer? She doesn't like to make the throw if she doesn't think it will help the play. I know this is the age she needs to be more aggressive but I don't want her to be so hard on herself if the runner doesn't get out either.

Runner goes, catcher throws. It's that simple. They (meaning everyone involved i.e., catcher and infielders covering the bases) need to figure it out first hand. More attempts = more experience. The more experience, the better you get. Same exact mechanics should be taught and practice at 10U as 18U+ - the ball just bounces less and gets there quicker as they get older.

Greenmonsters nailed it. Make the throw. Nobody has ever been thrown out, on a ball that never left the mitt.

Thanks I agree she needs to just throw it. But at 10 is it expecting too much for it to got right to the glove every time? She can make it to the glove about 1/3 of the time, the rest bounce in front and to the right of the plate

at 10U, steal percentage of second is probably 99.5%. You need a fast pitcher, a decent high pitch to the catchers throwing arm, a high crouch, a quick release, a low throw and a gloved ball at second on the first hand side of the base.

What you need to master at 10U is defending the steal of third. Its 25 feet closer, it typically has a batter in the way of the catcher's throw and one miscue is a scored run. If your opponent is a bunting team, it will be your shortstop getting over to field the ball, and then its a race between the SS and the runner. Getting that out at third is probably the most exciting play at 10U. So is catcher to pitcher on a steal of home after a passed ball/wild pitch. We spent a lot of time on these plays. I miss that age group so much because of these two plays. I also like to incorporate some trickery on the double steal. Come up throwing to 2nd but hit the pitcher instead and have the pitcher catch the runner at third leaning towards home or flat out breaking for home. or just have the catcher chuck it to a pulled in third basemen on the baseline. Its exciting and a lot of fun to execute.

A catcher throwing the ball to the infielders glove is akin to pitcher missing the hitters bat. It does not work that way. They throw quickly and accurately to a spot. Once the ball leaves your hand your job is done and it is out of your control. What happens next is up to the infielder. At 10U I would tell her to throw the ball to the bag and expect that more often than not the ball will skip over the bag and end up in centerfield.

I wouldn't expect your 10 yr old to hit the base on every throw. That is way too much to ask, even for a 14 yr old. If it bounces there no big deal just. A SS can make your Catcher look really good or really bad. My kid's biggest problem is the SS's aren't getting to the bag fast enough. Her throws end up going straight to the CF. The SS should pinch in a little bit if she is not fast enough. This has happened no less than 8 times in the past year. Just keep throwing no matter the outcome. That's the only way the fielders and catcher can get into a rhythm.

Like riseball said the C cannot wait for a fielder to get there, if they do they will never ever throw anyone out.

Good news is the CF is right there so if the SS and 2nd are takin a nap the ball is not going anywhere.

More important than the accuracy of the throw is how quickly the young catcher gets rid of the ball. Work on stance and quicker footwork and the accuracy will be there. The ball should travel low and on line with 2B. One or two bounces is much more desirable than 5 feet above the bag.


As others have said, getting the runner out on a steal of 2B has a lot to with with the fielder handling the ball, securing it, and putting on a good tag - none of which the catcher can control from 85' away.

Once they successfully throw their first runner out, it's like a drug they can't get enough of. Pretty soon, they'll be hoping the girl tries to steal the base.