Category: Infield
Type: Drill
CATCH...NOT FETCH
For kids from 5 years to 10 years old, one of the most frustrating drills for the players and the coach is the warm-up throws.
No matter what you say, the two lines will grow farther and farther apart, the kids will start throwing humongoid rainbows to each other and they will spend most of the drill running after the balls.
But this is a necessary evil as the kids need their arms and shoulders stretched and warm and they need to develop catching and throwing, or else they will be playing defense all day long.
Here's a drill to get your team to stop playing FETCH and to start playing catch:
First, circle up your players with 15-20 feet between players and coach in the middle. Give one player a ball and have them throw to the next player (clockwise or counterclockwise). Have them throw around easy until you get 2 laps and expect them to drop it a few times.
After 2 laps, tell them you want 2 more laps faster but anyone who drops a good throw or makes a wild throw will owe a lap around the outside of the circle.
You can inject a 2nd ball and a 3rd ball if they get going good. Also, you can develop the relay-pivot maneuver with this same circle drill.
You'll be amazed at how the challenge aspect of this drill perks of their enthusiasm and skills!! It really works.
Submitted by: Ron Dronkers
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