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• Draw a L from where the catcher sits to home plate. The catcher’s feet should start on the bottom of the L and then should be on the long part of the L while they are throwing e.g. When the L is drawn from the catcher’s stance to home plate, it is set up to throw to 2nd base.
• Put the catcher(s) in their stance behind a home plate. (catchers should stand initially, but as they get better at the drill, they should go into their normal stance)
• Have the catcher pretend to receive the pitch and have them shuffle their feet along the back line of the L and then step along the long part of the L with their right foot, then the left foot, then simulate a throw. Both feet should end up on the long line of the L. The footwork should go: Right, Left, Throw.

Tip: Coach should make sure that the catcher(s) are doing the footwork properly. The coach should also look at the front shoulder to make sure that it is pointed at the target. The line can be drawn to throw to all bases.
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B. Short-Arm Drill
This drill teaches the catcher to get their throwing arm into position quickly.

Equipment Needed: Catcher’s glove, and a home plate

Drill Procedure:

• Put the catcher(s) on one knee behind a home plate.
• Have the coach or partner throw pitches to the catcher. Have the catcher take their throwing arm and glove arm straight across their chest with the ball above their elbow.
• The catcher should get into throwing position as quickly as possible keeping the ball above their elbow. The elbow should be at shoulder level or slightly above.
• Throw the ball to the target.

Tip: Coach should make sure that the catcher(s) is taking their throwing arm quickly into position properly. Remember that the ball should always be above the elbow at all times. Catchers and infielders should be the only players practicing to short-arm their throws.
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C. Live Action Drill
This drill will teach the catcher how to use their footwork properly and it will teach them to throw quickly.

Equipment Needed: Baseballs or Softballs, catcher’s glove, and a home plate

Drill Procedure:

• Draw a L from where the catcher sits to home plate. The catcher’s feet should start on the bottom of the L and then should be on the long part of the L while they are throwing.
• Put the catcher(s) in their stance behind a home plate.
• Have a partner or coach throw pitches to the catcher(s) approximately 25-30 ft. at first and then to the regular pitching distance.
• The catcher(s) should receive the ball, do their footwork, short-arm action, and throw the ball to the target. Both feet should end up on the long part of the L.

Tip: Coach should make sure that the catcher(s) is getting their body into position properly and that they are executing the proper footwork and short-arm action when throwing.

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