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Aug 29, 2011
1,114
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Dallas, TX
Ivy's Dad, there is a common problem that shows up in catching and in infield play, especially on bunt plays and soft ground-balls, to NOT step directly at the throwing target. The player ends up "splay footed" which causes the throwing arm, to drop and throw side-arm. Too often this results in throwing to the RIGHT of the intended target. You CAN throw more accurately side-arm by stepping directly at the target. But the two are not related. Poor footwork can result in side-arm throws which IS the problem. The Czech Republic was in one of the tournaments shown. This was their biggest problem defensively.

Catcher's do this by standing up too high when they rise up out of their squat,
They swing their right leg all the way behind the left foot, causing their weight balance to go behind them too much,
The step with the left foot then extends, not directly forward, but opens up stepping to the left side several inches.
The arm slot drops, and the ball sails toward right field.
If you think about it, 95% of the bad throws by the catcher are toward the RF side. It isn't automatic, but happens too often.


The main thing for catchers that creates this flaw is the big swing of the right leg back behind too far, instead of to the center-line.
The cure for this is for fielders and catchers to work with awareness to step directly at the intended target.
For catchers, there are two points: First is bring the right foot back TO the center-line, splitting the feet, right below the belly-button. The second step with the left foot is then forward, and to the right, onto the center-line. Two steps complete the body rotation.
Second, don't swing the glove around in a circle, but bring it in a straight line back to the ear, palm down, elbow up. the photos included here show a girl with her belly-button over the center of the plate. This was just for demonstration sake! After the catch, she kicked all the way over, behind her left foot. Her next step was on the batter's box chalk-line. The elbow will now drop, and the throw may well be toward RF. Click to enlarge!

Catcher copy.jpg


See these gifs starting on page 1
gif #2 shows a throw to the left, because the step is not to the target.
gif #5 shows a throw almost into the runner. Look at her step before the throw!
gif #8 shows the 2nd baseman throwing wide right to the catcher. Look at her step. It is also "open", not to the target.
 
Last edited:
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
6-3:

2zqh01x.gif
 
Aug 29, 2011
1,114
0
Dallas, TX
I can't stand this 1B footwork! She just spreads her feet wide and makes a big target, but what about moving toward a wild or wide throw? She should stand at the bag with her feet close, and be ready to move side to side, stretching to the throw!
 

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