Catchers throwing drills

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I'm 17, and a lefty catcher. My blocking is generally okay, but i have an erratic arm that could do with being stronger to second. Does anybody have any ideas for drills to improve accuracy/pop time?
 

coachtucc

Banned
May 7, 2008
327
0
A, A
hey Lefty:
Try a pop-up drill...
1) get into your catcher's stance
2) Pretend to recieve a pitch
3) The just pop up remembering to pop up into your proper throwing technique
Simple...yess but this is something you can do on your own...you can also start on your knees and try to pop up...harder but can build some strength

Throwing accuracy:
1) put an empty bucket by second base (not on the back but just to the 2nd bseside of it
2) Stand at home and just throw at the bucket
3) As your accuracy improves, then do the drill in your catchers stance and pop up and throw
 
Jan 15, 2009
585
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I agree with Coach Tucc, practicing your pop up is key. Most throwing errors I see on catchers have to do with trying to make the throw from an improper setup because they either weren't ready or weren't committed to making a throw down (i.e. body was set to throw back to pitcher not base).

I think a 5 gallon bucket is a great target for throws to first or third. Realistically a 55 Gallon Drum isn't a terrible target area at 2nd base most SS should be able to corral a throw in that area. If you can nail the 55 gallon drum consistantly work down to that 5 gallon bucket.
 
Feb 24, 2010
154
0
Coachtucc has great advice. I suggest that you also make sure that when you are popping up that you are not just standing up but getting your arm, torso and legs into throwing position. If you can, get a hold of Dave Weaver's video a the New England Catching Camp (don't have the website handy) and he goes over how to do this.

If you need to improve arm strength, throw LONGER than the distance to 2B - 20-30 feet beyond - using the correct technique.

Hope this helps.
 
Sep 17, 2009
1,637
83
My daughter is a lefty catcher and early in her career we had to show people examples of excellent lefty catchers at Northwestern and other high-level places to justify keeping here there. Don't let baseball coaches and fans (hear it on the sidelines all the time) discourage you as a lefty fastpitch catcher.

And all the ideas above are great. Footwork is everything. And like hitting, learn to throw with your core and larger muscles (back, butt, legs) and you'll be able to stay low and quick and still throw hard -- that's the key to pop times, which is how your throws will ultimately be judged. Good luck!
 
Sep 3, 2009
675
0
hey Lefty:
Try a pop-up drill...
1) get into your catcher's stance
2) Pretend to recieve a pitch
3) The just pop up remembering to pop up into your proper throwing technique
Simple...yess but this is something you can do on your own...you can also start on your knees and try to pop up...harder but can build some strength

Throwing accuracy:
1) put an empty bucket by second base (not on the back but just to the 2nd bseside of it
2) Stand at home and just throw at the bucket
3) As your accuracy improves, then do the drill in your catchers stance and pop up and throw

My dd does these same exact drills. The pop-up drill, she works on at different times throughout the day. I will say that this is probably the single best thing she worked on to improve her pop time.

The throwing drill is a great one also. I'd maybe suggest doing it in the beginning, without being in the crouch, and not worry about the footwork. Once the accuracy and velocity start coming around, then i'd incorporate the crouch and footwork. Get the pop, accuracy, velocity down individually, then start putting them together. Great drills though.
 
Jul 30, 2010
164
0
Pennsylvania
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 pitches 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)
 
May 7, 2008
172
0
Hudson, NH
I'm 17, and a lefty catcher. My blocking is generally okay, but i have an erratic arm that could do with being stronger to second. Does anybody have any ideas for drills to improve accuracy/pop time?

Lefty, when you say you have an erratic arm what do you mean? When your throws are not good are they "bad" the same way all the time. For example are your bad throws always high and to the left? or are they always short of the base? Give me an idea of what "erratic" means. This will help me focus on what is the actual cause of your erratic throws.
 
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