Footwork for a lefty catcher on a throw to third

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Aug 8, 2016
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Or more specifically, what is the footwork for a lefty on the throw to third when the pitch is well outside and they are forced to throw in front of the batter? We have experimented a bit and the best we could come up with for this situation was a back pivot.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
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Yes to your comment back pivot.
(rather to side behind batter)
Same options righty catcher has throwing to first with left handed hitter.

Lefty to 3rd From Feet-
Pivot left foot step behind batter to throw behind.
Or Create more throwing lane by initial step (pivot foot) moving left further if needed.
( move left, clears lane, throw)
( this could be like a pitchout type manuever for visual)

Or burst out throw in front.

Throwing from knees,
Same move left leg left, clears lane, throw.
More common thrown behind batter.
Obviously pitch location can dictate throw mechanics feet or knees.

Train mechanics.
Transition speed really important!!
Towards 2nd half of video can see good visuals on side to side
mechanics with throws.
*Can clear plenty of throwing lane both ways!


( video used with permission of parent who created it )

LETS THROW RUNNERS OUT !
 
Last edited:

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
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To share more on the thought of having to move to the side or around a batter to throw.

There are times where I have thrown over the batter.
To 1st and to 3rd.
High pitch inside, already standing up, transition and throw.
Have done it also on quick pop up double play.

*This may not be the best option yet sometimes can be the only option!

To my knowledge
( disclaimer:))
There is no rule that says you cannot encroach into the batter's box to make a play. Perhaps the man in blue or another umpire on here will clarify. I simply just field the high-pitch and transitioned stepping forward into my throw. Hand over top of batter.
Sometimes did slightly push the batter out of my way.
With glove arm.
(slightly with a firm slightness)
Dont know if thats ok now to use glove to clear batter out of way...
*The Man in Blue ?? Clarify??

Throwing over the top of an opposing player might also happen in such a situation as a double play at second base with a late sliding runner or a runner who did not slide.
 
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sluggers

Super Moderator
Staff member
May 26, 2008
7,133
113
Dallas, Texas
Yes to your comment back pivot.
(rather to side behind batter)
Same options righty catcher has throwing to first with left handed hitter.

Lefty to 3rd From Feet-
Pivot left foot step behind batter to throw behind.
Or Create more throwing lane by initial step (pivot foot) moving left further if needed.
( move left, clears lane, throw)
( this could be like a pitchout type manuever for visual)

Or burst out throw in front.

Throwing from knees,
Same move left leg left, clears lane, throw.
More common thrown behind batter.
Obviously pitch location can dictate throw mechanics feet or knees.

Train mechanics.
Transition speed really important!!
Towards 2nd half of video can see good visuals on side to side
mechanics with throws.
*Can clear plenty of throwing lane both ways!


( video used with permission of parent who created it )

LETS THROW RUNNERS OUT !


That is a great video. Thanks!
 
May 29, 2015
3,731
113
Or more specifically, what is the footwork for a lefty on the throw to third when the pitch is well outside and they are forced to throw in front of the batter? We have experimented a bit and the best we could come up with for this situation was a back pivot.

I'm not left-handed, so I'm really having to put some thought into this ... :unsure:

Right handed or left handed batter?

I would think a pitch "well outside" a right-handed batter would take the catcher far enough out to clear the batter. On a left-handed batter it is taking you the right direction. The main thing (I think) is to get to the right hand side of the ball so you are pointing the right direction for a throw, rather than having to reset to throw. On your feet, best effort to pivot towards third and "land" on your left foot to naturally push off of. On your knees, try to get outside the ball so your body is (somewhat) pointed the right direction for the throw.

From an umpire perspective ... do what you do and don't let the batter dictate your actions.
 
Aug 8, 2016
131
28
For the scenario above, I was thinking of a right-handed batter, but that left-handed batter could be interesting too, depending on where she ends up after the catch.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
A little narative on video.
If looking at the video can see catchers warming up footwork from athletic position to stimulate footwork.
Then we do side hops both from athletic and catching position.
Side hops-
To move left.
Pick up left foot
Press/burst off right leg.
Thats side hop to the left.

Reverse to go right
Pick up right foot
Press/burst off left leg.
Thats side hop to right.

* Becomes simultaneous movement
*Try to land evenly,
promotes all one motion

Then from catching position
to the sides.
Up to our feet-shooting stars.
Down onto knees-dirt pitch recovery

In the video catchers from crouch are clearing a throwing lane to the outside lines of the batters box, which is our defensive goal and beyond.
( the b-box is extra wide on that mat also)
They are also fielding dirt pitches at the same time.
However same manuever can be done with a strike pitch.
Or high pitch to feet.

Lateral and Horizontal movements/mechanics
training in such a way to defensively get behind the ball, or clear a throwing lane, to set us up for the best throwing mechanics.
 
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