Baseball drill
Over under partner catch drill
One partner throws overhand and the other answers with an underhand toss, then they switch. Young players get both kinds of catch, a firmer throw at the chest and a softer toss, while learning to give a good target.
At a glance
- Sport
- Baseball and Softball
- Skill
- Catching the ball
- Ages
- 6U to 10U
- Players
- 2 (partners), any number of pairs
- Time
- About 10 minutes
- Level
- Beginner
- Equipment
- Gloves, One ball per pair
- Indoors
- Needs a field
Regular partner catch can fall apart quickly with six- and seven-year-olds: one wild throw and the pair spends the next minute chasing the ball. Over under slows it down. Only one partner throws overhand at a time, and the return is a soft underhand toss, so every other ball is an easy catch.
The drill also gives a coach two things to watch at once: the overhand thrower working on hitting the chest, and the receiver catching a firmer throw with two hands. Counting catches gives the pairs a goal without turning it into a race.
Setup
- Pair players up about 15 feet apart, with all the pairs in two parallel lines so every throw goes the same direction.
- One ball per pair. Decide who starts as the overhand thrower and who starts as the underhand tosser.
- Leave plenty of room between pairs so a missed ball does not reach the next pair.
How to run it
- On the coach's call, the overhand partner looks at the receiver and throws to the chest.
- The receiver catches with two hands and sends the ball back with a soft underhand toss.
- The overhand partner catches the toss and throws again. Pairs count their clean catches.
- After ten throws, partners switch roles.
- Play a second round and see if each pair can beat its first count.
Coaching points
- Eye contact before every throw. Nobody throws to a partner who is not looking.
- The receiver gives a target with both hands up in front of the chest.
- Fingers up on balls above the waist, fingers down on low tosses.
- Move the feet to get in front of an off-line throw instead of reaching with the glove alone.
Common mistakes
- Underhand tosses that are too hard or too flat. They should be soft and arcing.
- The receiver standing flat-footed with the glove down at the side until the ball is in the air.
- Pairs drifting closer together or farther apart. Use cones or a line to keep the distance.
- Rushing to beat the count and throwing before the partner is ready.
Printable drill card
Take this drill to the field: the setup, steps, coaching points and equipment on one card, with the video's address to find it again. Free, no account needed.
Print the drill cardSmaller: half page or quarter page (PDF).
By age
Tee ball
Start at 10 feet with soft balls, and pair each player with a parent or coach if the overhand throws are not reaching the partner yet.
Coach pitch and 10U
Play at 15 to 25 feet. Once the pairs are steady, make the return an overhand throw too and keep counting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should young players play catch?
Close enough that most throws reach the partner in the air, often 10 to 15 feet for six- and seven-year-olds. Move back a few feet only when the pair is catching most of its throws.
More drills
Start free. Upgrade when your season needs it.
The free plan includes one team and one of each document type, with no license fee and no credit card. Paid plans start at $2.50 a month billed annually, cancel anytime.
No credit card required. Free plan available.