Softball Catcher Drills – Throwing to Bases

Purpose: To practice throwing to all bases for softball catchers.

Procedure: Throws to first, second, and third base on balls fielded at the plate (like full swing bunts) or on pickoff attempts and throws to second on straight steals and in first and third situations should be covered with each catcher. For pickoffs at first base, the catcher(s) are at home plate, a pitcher or coach is on the mound, and a first or second baseman are in their respective positions. Usually on a pickoff at first with a runner on first, the first baseman acts as a decoy and gets out of the way as the second baseman sneaks in behind the runner who has taken a big lead. The catcher then throws the ball on the inside of first base to the waiting second baseman. Do the same for pickoffs at third, only the third baseman usually takes the throws from the catcher when attempting to pick off the runner at third. The throw to third should be directly to the base. To practice throws for straight steals, begin with a line of runners at first base and a shortstop at second base to receive the throws. Have the runners practice getting leads and sliding at second base. The throws to second should be low and slightly up the line. It is also helpful to put a batter in the batter's box. A coach or player pitches a ball from the mound area to the catcher in ready position wearing full gear at home plate. Begin by setting up each situation and executing the plays four or five times with no runners. Next, add runners and repeat the plays for an additional four to five throws.