Baseball drill
Partner simultaneous toss catching game
Two partners without gloves each hold a ball and toss them to each other at the same moment, catching the incoming ball and tossing again on the next beat. A quick hand-eye game that makes young players find the ball the instant it leaves their partner's hand.
At a glance
- Sport
- Baseball and Softball
- Skill
- Catching the ball
- Ages
- 6U to 10U
- Players
- 2 (partners)
- Time
- About 5 minutes
- Level
- Beginner
- Equipment
- Two soft balls or tennis balls per pair (four for the two-ball version)
- Indoors
- Yes
Most catching drills give a player time to get ready. This one does not: the player is tossing their own ball at the same time as the partner, so they have to let go and immediately pick up the incoming ball with their eyes. It is a short, lively game that builds hand-eye coordination and soft hands without a glove.
Kids like it because it is a contest, and it needs nothing more than two soft balls and a partner, which makes it a good backyard game for parents and a filler at a gym practice. An advanced version uses two balls each.
Setup
- Partners stand 8 to 10 feet apart, facing each other, gloves off.
- Each partner holds one soft ball or tennis ball.
- Keep two extra balls per pair nearby for the two-ball version.
How to run it
- On a shared count, both partners toss their ball underhand to each other at the same time.
- Each player watches the incoming ball, catches it barehanded and gets ready to toss again.
- Keep the rhythm going: toss together, catch, toss together.
- Count how many rounds the pair can go before someone drops a ball, or see who drops first.
- For players who are ready, give each partner two balls, one in each hand, and toss all four at once.
Coaching points
- Soft, matching underhand tosses, so neither partner is rushed.
- Find the partner's ball with the eyes as soon as your own toss leaves your hand.
- Knees soft and head level, so the eyes stay steady.
- Catch with relaxed fingers and give a little with the hands.
Common mistakes
- Watching your own toss instead of the ball coming in.
- Tossing on different beats, which turns the game into ordinary catch.
- Tossing harder to make the partner drop it. Keep the tosses friendly.
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
A parent or coach is the partner, uses very soft balls and keeps the tosses slow. With a small child, drop one on purpose now and then to keep it fun.
Coach pitch and 10U
Pairs of players can run it on their own, and players who can go ten rounds can try the two-ball version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good catching game for kids at home?
A two-ball toss game like this one needs only two soft balls and a partner. It gives a child lots of catches in a few minutes and it is a contest, which keeps it fun.
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