Every member of your baseball team has to know how to properly throw the ball to have a sound defense. Whether it's throwing a player out at home from the outfield or making a quick throw to complete a double play, throwing is a fundamental skill of the game of baseball. Using drills to help your team improve its playing skills will reap rewards when your next game comes around.
Star Drill
The star drill helps players develop the quick-throw skills necessary to complete crucial infield plays. Have each infielder take his position, except for the catcher. Hit a ball to the shortstop. Immediately upon catching the ball, the shortstop throws to the first baseman, who throws it to the third baseman. The third baseman then throws it to the second baseman, who throws it home. Following this pattern, the ball makes a star pattern on the field. Time your players and see how long it takes them to complete all the throws without dropping the ball.
One Knee Drill
The one knee drill helps develop players' upper-body strength and technique when throwing the ball. Proper follow through with the upper body is essential to getting the most power out of your throw. Have players get into groups of two and line up across from each other about 10 yards apart. Have each player get on one knee. One player has a ball and throws the ball to the other player, using only the upper body. After 10 or 15 throws, have players move 5 more yards apart and repeat the throws. Keep moving the players farther apart to help develop upper body strength and technique.
Throwing Relay
Part of being able to throw the ball accurately for defense is being able to turn and transfer the ball from the glove to your hand. The throwing relay helps your team practice these skills in a competitive environment. Divide your team in two groups and have each group form a line with players 15 to 20 yards. Give the first player in line a ball. On your whistle, have the first player turn and throw the ball to the next player in line. That player then turns and throws the ball to the next player as fast as possible. This pattern continues until the ball goes all the way to the end of the line and back. The first team to get the ball all the way down the line and back wins.
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