foot work

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May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
On the throw to second, he is pivoting and taking a jab step into the throw. That is what I wanted to know. Is that the best way?

What is your reason to step forward? The justification I hear most often is that it makes for a shorter throw, therefore it's faster. Really? Is it faster to run with the ball or throw it? If you are able to jab forward just as quickly as you can move the foot to the middle, go ahead an do it. However, it's usually not quicker. Doing whatever gets the ball out of the hand the fastest is the correct answer...usually (see below).

All that said, for players who tend to bring their right foot too far across to the left - which can cause issues with accuracy, and be slow - the intent to step forward can sometimes be helpful for getting their body moving in a better direction for making more consistently accurate throws.
 

Chris Delorit

Member
Apr 24, 2016
343
28
Green Bay, WI
Eric makes some great points.

Shawn, not sure what your describing as a jab step. Could it be the little pseudo-crowhop'ish out of the stance?

The rear foot must replace the front foot in order to fascilitate the transition to a power push like any other fielding throw. Whether you call that process a shuffle, karaoke, jab or other...it's up to you. But, the absolutes are a that you must find a rear load to transfer that closed-chain energy forward through the front side.

As Eric mentioned above, you have to find the mechanics that foster the player's optimal quickness, power and accuracy.

If I can simplify it a bit more...the basic footwork of throwing in a straight line is pretty similar whether your a catcher, infielder or outfielder. You will have varying levels of the distance the pivot leg will travel in torso transition to replace and then set the plant in forward motion.

Here's another link for you. Forgive the promotional aspect of it, but the footwork should be pretty self-explanatory.

If your daughter is transitioning to catcher, maybe take notice of the technique Pat uses to receive the ball, rather than reach for the ball. ;)



Chris
 
Last edited:
Apr 5, 2013
2,130
83
Back on the dirt...
IMO that low positioning is too slow. Quads parallel to the ground with runners on to receive, for a RHT right leg steps under butt position, left leg steps and arm is moving all at one time, per NECC.
 
May 19, 2016
55
8
Here's another link for you. Forgive the promotional aspect of it, but the footwork should be pretty self-explanatory.

If your daughter is transitioning to catcher, maybe take notice of the technique Pat uses to receive the ball, rather than reach for the ball. ;)



Chris


In this video, although his footwork looks okay, I wouldn't encourage any young catcher to mimic this stance or glove/elbow positioning on the reception, at least not if you're a Weaver-technique follower. As 4Girl's said, not only is he a bit too low in his crouch, but he's on the balls of his feet and his glove side elbow is pointed out away from his body.

If I understand Weaver correctly, the first move by the legs after receiving the pitch (for a RHT) should be the left knee moving downward towards the right foot in order to start the process of getting the hips, shoulders and left elbow in line with the target. In this video it looks to me like his right side starts the process.
 

Chris Delorit

Member
Apr 24, 2016
343
28
Green Bay, WI
I don't disagree Spindaddy.

The OP's original question was about footwork relative to throwing. As an Easton promotion, it's obviously not a competition. Albeit, the basic transfer footwork is there.

Whether Maldanado, Lucroy or O'Brien or Shannon for that matter...the competitive catching mechanics should all be very similar.

Chris
 

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