Softball drill
Quick hands partner catch drill
Partners play fast catch, moving their feet to each throw and letting the ball deflect off the glove into the throwing hand, then throwing right back. It trains a quick catch and transfer for older players.
At a glance
- Sport
- Baseball and Softball
- Skill
- Catching the ball
- Ages
- 10U to High school
- Players
- 2 (partners)
- Time
- About 5 minutes
- Level
- Intermediate
- Equipment
- Gloves, One ball per pair
- Indoors
- Needs a field
Once players can catch a throw, the next step is catching it in a way that leads straight into the next throw. In quick hands catch, the receiver does not squeeze the ball deep in the glove. They take it out front and let it come off the glove into the bare hand, with the feet already moving into a throwing position.
It is a short, high-energy drill that fits at the end of a throwing warm-up, once arms are loose. Pairs start at a normal distance and drift closer as the tempo rises, so set a limit on how close they may get.
Setup
- Pair players up with one ball per pair, roughly 45 to 60 feet apart for older players and closer for 10U.
- Both partners start in a ready position, knees bent, both hands out in front of the chest.
How to run it
- Player A throws a firm, chest-high ball to Player B.
- As the ball comes, Player B moves the feet around it with a small hop, so the feet are landing as the ball arrives.
- Player B catches out front with both hands, letting the ball come off the glove into the bare hand.
- B's feet land lined up toward A, and B throws straight back to A's chest.
- Keep the rally going, raising the tempo until someone drops one, then start again.
Coaching points
- The bare hand stays right beside the glove wherever the glove goes.
- Catch with a soft glove out front, not deep in the web.
- Time the feet so the ball arrives just before they land in a throwing position.
- Every throw goes to the partner's chest; accuracy keeps the rally quick.
Common mistakes
- Catching one-handed and reaching in late for the ball.
- Standing flat-footed while catching.
- Rushing the throw before the ball is in the hand, which leads to wild throws.
- Closing the glove tight around the ball, which slows the transfer.
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
10U
Use softer balls at 30 to 40 feet, so players are not afraid to keep the bare hand near the glove. Go slower and focus on the footwork.
12U and up
Work up to game speed and count clean exchanges in 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quick hands catch only for infielders?
No. Every player benefits from moving the feet to a throw and getting the ball out of the glove quickly, though infielders and catchers use it the most.
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