1. Stress the Fundamentals
If you say, "Let's go play catch," most people assume it is just tossing the baseball around for a while with no real purpose. What most don't realize is that playing catch enhances the basis for good throwing fundamentals in baseball. While it's true that playing catch is informal to an extent, it's also a great place for players to work on their throwing mechanics and catching motion. So, next time you play catch, remember it is great chance to practice all the different throws a player must make in baseball. Don't treat it as just something to pass the time in between games or drills.
2. Pull Back on the Reigns
The throwing motion is relaxed, but fundamentally sound when you play catch. What you do not want to do is over throw. Sometimes players can turn the game into an arm strength contest, and this is simply not what playing catch is all about. If you feel any pain while playing catch, stop and consult a trainer or physician. It could just be a tired arm, but better safe than sorry. Just take it easy and be cognizant of the proper mechanics.
3. Break the Routine
Often, when playing catch, you can get into a rut of throwing the same type of ball repeatedly. While this is good for your muscle memory, assuming the throwing motion is correct, it is also good to throw grounders or short hops to each other. This way you can work on those difficult fielding plays while at the same time working on your throwing motion. Therefore, mix up the throws so, not only can your defense improve, but also it breaks up the routine and makes playing catch more interesting.
4. Get Your Glove Up
When you are playing catch in baseball, keep the glove up with the elbow bent just as if you are in the field of play. If you have sloppy glove placement when you play catch, this can translate over into the field of play. Also, having your glove up keeps the errant baseball from striking you in the face.
5. Watch for Mechanical Flaws
One of the best ways to spot mechanical flaws in a pitcher's throwing motion is to watch him play catch. When teaching a player in a controlled setting, he may concentrate on his motion and the flaws will not show up until he is tired or nervous in a game. However, when he plays catch, he is showing how he throws the ball from a strict mechanical standpoint.
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