How to Make Faster Throwdowns to Second Base

Throw the ball low to increase the chances of getting the runner out.

Stealing is not a nice thing to do, but in baseball or softball, sometimes it's the right offensive move. When that runner takes off from first base and safely slides into second base, he has just gotten himself into scoring position. The catcher can help stop this strategic move by throwing the runner out at second base. Improvement in anything requires practice and dedication to get it just right. Little tweaks can help you throw down a runner at second base a bit more quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Stopwatch

Instructions

1. Wait for the pitch in a different ready-position than if there were no runners on base. This position should be a little more up on your feet rather than crouched down into your heels. Having a good ready-position that is comfortable for you will allow you to turn a ball quickly, enabling your chances of throwing out a runner to second base. For a list of different techniques, refer to the Baseball Catcher Web site in the Resources section.

2. Keep your face mask on and learn to throw down to second base with it. Leaving the mask on, instead of pulling it off before throwing the ball will cut time off your throw.

3. Practice with a timer so you can figure out what feels good and what you need to improve on. Have a coach or other player throw you the ball from the pitcher's mound, catch it and throw it at the person who is covering second base (second baseman or shortstop). Have a coach or other team member time you from when you catch the ball until it reaches the second baseman's glove. Record the time and keep practicing to get the time down.

4. Concentrate on accuracy. You want to be throwing the ball so it lands in the other player's glove, low to the ground, to the right (your right) of second base. The target is here because opposing players will be sliding into the base from first base. Accurately getting the ball to this target minimizes the glove movement that the person covering second base has to do. If the throw is too high or not in the correct position, this adds time to the throw because the person catching the ball has to bring his glove to the correct position after catching it.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember in baseball, the runner can get a lead off before the pitcher even pitches the ball. In softball, a runner can steal as soon as the ball has left the pitcher's pitching hand.

References

• Baseball Catcher: Throwing Drills
• Baseball Catcher: Catcher Throwing Skills

Resources

• Baseball Catcher: Catcher Throwing Styles to Second Base