Using 4-seam grip and about 10-12 feet apart, aim throwing elbow at partner at shoulder height and extend arm to flip ball keeping fingers on top of ball to create backspin.
End with fingers pointing down and arm fully extended pointing at partner (can be done on one knee as well).
For added form, put black tape around ball perpendicular to the 4-seams so when the ball is flipped properly, the tape rotates in a straight line up and down.
Make sure the throw is sharp and they don't arc the ball across.
One Knee Drill
With players on one knee about 15-20 feet apart, throwing side knee on ground and glove side knee up pointing toward partner, throw to each other. Start with ball in glove at chest.
Pay attention to hand break (hands should break palms down), arm angles (upper arms parallel to the ground, equal bend in the elbows, palms facing away from each other).
Pause at hand break to check form, then throw.
Glove position during throw (glove should stay near chest during throw).
Sideways To Target
Standing sideways to your partner with feet spread further than shoulder width about 20-25 feet apart, throw to partner. Start with ball in glove at chest.
Pay attention to starting in an athletic position (knees slightly bent), hand break (hands should break palms down) and arm angles (upper arms parallel to the ground, equal bend in the elbows, palms facing away from each other).
Pause at hand break to check form, then throw.
Glove position during throw (glove should stay near chest during throw).
Shuffle And Throw
With partners further apart, have players start sideways to their partner and take two shuffle steps and throw to partner.
Pay attention to hand break, arm angles, body position after step, glove position during throw, follow through and direction of stepping leg.
Throw should be firm.
Quick Hands and Quick Feet
Partners are throwing to each other and moving their feet quickly to the ball and getting the ball out of their glove and in throwing position fast.
Receiving partner should be in an athletic starting position, have his hands up at chest level, and have his elbows down in a relaxed position.
Use your feet to move to the ball and catch the ball in front of your body with arms nearly fully extended.
Catch the ball in the palm of your glove and secure with throwing hand.
Bare Hands Wiffle Catch
For the beginner player, playing catch with wiffle balls bare handed.
Variation: Have them use one hand only. Really gives them a sense of when they need to close their hand to catch.
Add a second ball for more difficulty and fun.
Running Throws To Set Target
With ball in hand, run to your left and throw to a stationary target (or player) to the right.
With ball in hand, run to your right and throw to a stationary target (or player) to the left.
Can do this drill while throwing on the run or planting feet, getting square to the target, then throwing.
For added difficulty, have the players run without the ball and throw them the ball on the run, then they have to throw to the target.
Throws To Moving Target
Have stationary player throw to moving target.
Have player or coach with ball (quarterback) and another player (receiver) about 15-20 feet to his left.
Receiver runs a post pattern (straight ahead for 10 yards, the breaks slightly to his right). Quarterback has to hit him in stride, receiver has to catch the ball.
Switch and have the receiver stand to the right of the quarterback.
Partner Running Throws
Have players line up about 30 feet apart (or age appropriate distance).
Both start jogging in the same direction at the same time, stay 30 feet apart and throw to each other while jogging the length of the baseline.
Switch directions and go the other way.
Speed Throwing
At a set, age appropriate distance, partners see how many times they can catch and throw to each other in 30 seconds.
For older players concentrate on moving feet before ball is in glove.
Most catches wins.
Two Ball Catch
Play catch with two balls, throwing one while the other is in your glove.
After throwing the ball, take the ball out of your glove and keep it in your throeing hand until you catch the next ball.
This drill will help eliminate sloppy glove placement and encourage holding the glove close to your body while throwing.
Printer-friendly version