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By: Baseball 101 Coaching Staff
Back to the Tour The ability to make strong,
accurate throws with a quick release are paramount to the catchers’
ability to throw out base runners
The Stance
In anticipation of a runner stealing, the catcher should presume a
secondary stance. The catcher should focus on sitting up a little
higher in their stance. The throwing hand should be positioned
behind the glove for a quick release and protection.3
The Grip
Since a catcher wants to throw a straight fastball without any side
to side or up and down movement, the catcher should utilize a 4-seam
grip. This, along with proper wrist action puts backspin on the ball
resulting in a more accurate ball flight. If the catchers hands are
two small to use a two-finger, four-seam grip, three fingers can be
used.
The release
Catchers must get rid of the ball quickly. This means catching the
ball with two hands. When runners are on base in potential running
situations, the catcher’s throwing hand should be shielding behind
the glove so it is close to remove the ball. After catching the
pitch, the glove and throwing had are brought up behind the throwing
ear in a straight line. At this time, the ball is removed from the
glove by the throwing hand. Hands work together to transition ball
from mitt to bare hand and four-seam grip. This gets the throwing
arm in position with the least amount of travel. A catcher must have
a compact delivery, versus a more circular motion used by pitchers
or other players. Concentrate on short circular arm motion keeping
hand on top of the ball throughout delivery. Follow through with
full extension resulting in good carry on the ball.
Footwork
As the glove and throwing hand are traveling to the top of the
throwing motion, the catcher’s feet must rotate 90 degrees so the
body is perpendicular to second base. It is important the momentum
be moving towards second base. The head should be level.
 Pitch
location and batter positioning in the batters box will determine
footwork and throwing mechanics
A shuffle step can be used to properly position the feet. Using the
shuffle step, the catcher takes a short pivot step with the right
foot on the pitch down the middle or on the left side of the plate.
The catcher SHOULD NOT WAIT unit they catch the pitch to take the
pivot step. The movement should begin as soon as the catcher
realizes the running is stealing.
The Step Thru method is a more advance method for throwing to second
or third base. It is accomplished with a right jab step and left
step and throw
The Load and Go has the weight loaded onto the right side, step left
and throw. This technique works best when throwing to third base.
Click for a video
demonstration
Click for a video
demonstration (side view)
Throwing to bases
Depending on which base the catcher is throwing to and which side of
the plate the hitter is on will require slight adjustments
Throwing to Second – Right handed hitter
- Inside pitch
- Catch with a sweeping motion
- Pocket to plate
- Momentum towards second
- Outside Pitch
- Catch near left shoulder
- Head to first base side of ball
- Requires a larger step to get oriented towards second
Throwing to Second – Left handed hitter
- Inside Pitch
- Delay a little to allow throwing lane to clear
- Catch backhanded
- Step up and out through the plate with right foot
- Outside Pitch
- Catch with pocket towards plate
- Right foot steps behind left foot to clear throwing
lane
- Left foot steps towards second and throw
Throwing to Third – Right handed hitter
- Hitter is blocking throwing lane
- Catcher must clear behind the hitter on inside
pitches and clear in front on balls outside
- Lead step or right foot step behind left foot
(drop step)
- Lead step creates more momentum, but does not
clear the hitter as much
Click
for a video demonstration Throwing to Third –Left
handed hitter
- Throwing lane is open
- Throw from knees
Click
for a video demonstration Throwing to First
- Throwing lane is open
- Throw from knees
Click
for a video demonstration
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