In youth baseball, throwing and catching often seem like warm-up activities rather than teaching moments. But those ten minutes of catch before practice or a game can be some of the most valuable time for developing defensive fundamentals. If players can’t throw accurately or catch cleanly during warm-ups—when there’s no pressure—how can they be expected to execute those skills in the middle of a game?
Rethinking the Way We Play Catch
For years, I used to tell players to grab a partner and “go play catch.” What I eventually realized was that because I didn’t emphasize the importance of this part of practice, neither did they. When coaches treat catch as a routine, players do too. But when we make it a focused, structured exercise, it becomes one of the best tools for improving performance.
So, I made a few key changes that completely transformed how my teams approached their throwing routine.
Step 1: Be Present and Engaged
Instead of standing off to the side, I began walking around, coaching players during catch. I gave feedback on footwork, body alignment, and throwing mechanics—reminding them to line up their feet, hips, and shoulders toward their target. Each throw had a clear goal: hit their partner in the chest. By staying involved, I set the expectation that every throw mattered.
Step 2: Add Variety with Purpose
Our throwing routine included not just standard warm-up throws but position-specific movements. Infielders practiced different arm angles and throws on the run. Outfielders worked on long hops once their arms were loose. This variation helped players prepare for the types of throws they’d actually make during games.
Step 3: Build Consistency
We followed the same routine every day. Starting at 30 feet, we gradually extended out to 150 feet, then worked our way back in. This consistency helped players measure progress and build muscle memory. They began to challenge themselves—not just to throw harder, but to throw better at each distance.
Step 4: Focus on Accuracy Before Power
Everyone wants to throw hard, but power without control doesn’t help the team. A strong arm means little if the throw sails over the first baseman’s head. We focused first on accuracy—reaching the target consistently—before increasing intensity.
Step 5: Use the Lower Half
To throw harder safely, players practiced using two shuffle steps to generate power from their legs and core. This motion created direction toward the target, took stress off the arm, and improved both velocity and accuracy.
Step 6: Maintain Upper Body Timing
Each throw began with the throwing hand inside the glove at the center of the chest. This consistent starting point built rhythm and timing, helping players repeat good mechanics even as throws became longer or more difficult.
The Results
This simple but intentional approach to catch completely changed the energy of our practices. Players began treating catch as a skill-building exercise rather than a formality. Their defensive performance improved, their confidence grew, and their overall consistency on the field increased.
Final Thoughts
Holding players accountable for their catch routine sets a higher standard for everything else they do in practice. If we accept sloppy throws during warm-ups, we can’t expect precision during games. By turning a casual game of catch into a focused ten-minute drill, we give players the structure they need to build habits that last.
A well-run active catch routine doesn’t just warm up arms—it sharpens skills, strengthens fundamentals, and creates a culture of attention to detail that carries through every play of the game.
