Catchers throwing drills

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Jul 26, 2010
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How often do you practice your throws to second, Lefty?

Inconsistency during a game is different then inconsistency during practice. Are your throws erratic during both drills (great drills posted above) and games, or just games?

It may simply be that your throwing mechanics is off and it might not have anything to do with the actual footwork.

BTW, a good target to use at 2nd is one of those large plastic "cooler buckets" that resemble an oversized child's sandbucket with rope handles. They're much easier to transport then a trash can and you can keep it in the trunk with a bunch of other gear inside it. The opening is about the same size as a trashcan or 55 gallon drum.

-W
 
May 7, 2008
172
0
Hudson, NH
Erratic meaning they could go anywhere. Very little control, often high, often left or right, I dont discriminate haha.
I was thinking it could be to do with footwork maybe?

Lefty, If a catchers bad throws always go bad the same way, then usually we see that they are making the exact same mistake over and over. When the bad throws are all over the place it usually points to the fact that you have not learned a specific set of mechanics for your throw. When I use the term mechanics it covers all parts of the throw from stance....to receiving the pitch...to exchange to throwing hand, as well as the footwork, and finally the actual throwing motion your arm follows.

Below is a link to the basic throwing drill my catchers use. The drill starts with the ball in the glove and ends with catcher in what we call the "Launch" position.

Crouch to Launch :: SBall Crouch to Launch video by catchingcoach - Photobucket

The goal is to land exactly the same way ever time to build muscle memory.

Do you have any clips of yourself throwing?

Coach W
 
Thankyou for that, no I dont have clips of myself throwing though.
I haven't been catching for very long, only a year or two. And my original coach was a bit odd, didn't really get the game and was only there so the team actually had a coach
 
Feb 9, 2009
392
0
Is it okay to use a weighted ball to help a catcher work on getting her throws to second? Accuracy isn't the issue...
 
Jul 30, 2010
164
0
Pennsylvania
Is it okay to use a weighted ball to help a catcher work on getting her throws to second? Accuracy isn't the issue...

Stephanie, below is what i use. It was very helpful for strenghing the arm

Something i did to work on the throws...after she was warmed up, i would have her get on her knees behind the plate. I would stand half way between the plate and the pitchers mound. She would throw 5 balls from her knees. I would then move to the pitchers mound, again, 5 throws from her knee. I would move half way between the pitchers mound and 2nd base, 5 throws from her knees. then to 2nd base, 5 throws from her knees. then a couple feet behind second, 5 throws from her knees.. she did this twice a week. after about the 2nd week, WOW, what a differnce in arm strengh. She now can drop to her knees and throw to 2nd base. and by the way, she is not a catcher. ( just one in training)
 
Feb 9, 2009
392
0
thanks PA!! mine isn't a catcher, but I got a call from a parent last night with that question and I wasn't sure how to answer it.
 
Dec 3, 2012
6
0
New England Catching Camp

Some things in this catching camp I agree with, others I do not. I agree with his foot movements and throwing techniques. I do not agree with his ball transfer. When a catcher brings their glove to their ear, it restricts them from looping their hands, eliminating lost time. He backs up his hypothesis by saying it creates problems such as over rotation and unnecessary sideways movement. I happen to disagree with this, with the simple fact that any high level quality catcher should be able to eliminate the unnecessary movements.

As for lefty catchers, I know a lot of good ones. Lefty catchers also make for a great threat upon picking people off at first base, they have a quick easy throw, much like a righty to third base, except without the obstacle that is a batter. Bridget Quimpo who currently coaches at New Jersey City University is a great example of a lefty catcher.




Erratic meaning they could go anywhere. Very little control, often high, often left or right, I dont discriminate haha.
I was thinking it could be to do with footwork maybe?

I would start with footwork, if that's inconsistent, the arm will be erratic. Coach(es) Weaver draw a T behind the plate, ~4' back, and 3' wide to help with footwork, particularly not stepping across the center line of the plate.

The New England Catching Camp» Blog Archive » Throw to 2nd

+1 for the video.
+1 for target practice, bucket or even a trash can on its side.

A good lefty catcher is a precious commodity, good luck.
 

Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,168
38
New England
Some things in this catching camp I agree with, others I do not. I agree with his foot movements and throwing techniques. I do not agree with his ball transfer. When a catcher brings their glove to their ear, it restricts them from looping their hands, eliminating lost time. He backs up his hypothesis by saying it creates problems such as over rotation and unnecessary sideways movement. I happen to disagree with this, with the simple fact that any high level quality catcher should be able to eliminate the unnecessary movements.
QUOTE]

Intuitively, I can see why you think that the glove to ear transfer might be faster. The out front transfer doesn't result in or prevent 'looping of the hands' any more than does bringing the glove to the ear. The out front transfer does ensure that side-side balance is maintained, ensuring a good bottom and upper half load which is critical to a strong, accurate throw; the glove to the ear transfer imparts rotation which may jeopardize that sequence and put more strain on the arm. Try each way and put a stop watch on the pop time - the watch won't lie and your catcher's arm will be stress free using the NECC approach.

IME, if there's proven to be a better way at doing something catching related, NECC won't hesitate to adapt and teach it. I've looked long and hard and haven't found any better than NECC at teaching my DD to catch and consider their DVD the catchers bible.
 

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