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Softball drill

Self-toss throwing drill

Players toss the ball to themselves, catch it and throw to a partner right away, without hunting for a perfect grip. It trains a fast exchange and teaches fielders to throw from wherever the ball ends up.

A youth softball player flipping a ball up on the glove side, glove reaching under it, as a partner across the grass holds up a glove
Video by Championship Productions on YouTube. The write-up below is ours.

At a glance

Sport
Baseball and Softball
Skill
Throwing
Ages
10U to High school
Players
2 per pair (any number of pairs)
Time
About 5 minutes
Level
Beginner
Equipment
Gloves, One ball per pair
Indoors
Yes

In a game, a fielder rarely has time to dig around in the glove for a perfect four-seam grip. The self-toss drill practices getting the ball out of the glove and on its way, however the fingers land on it. Each player tosses the ball to themselves in a different spot, catches it, and throws to the partner at once.

Changing where the toss goes, high, low, to the glove side or out in front, also makes the feet move and the arm angle change, a bit like an awkward hop. Use it early in the daily throwing warm-up, after the arms are loose.

Setup

  • Pair players and line them up across the field about 30 to 40 feet apart.
  • One ball per pair, and enough room between pairs for players to move a step in any direction.

How to run it

  1. The player with the ball tosses it into the air near themselves with the throwing hand.
  2. They catch the toss in the glove.
  3. Without stopping to fix the grip, they take the ball out and throw it to the partner.
  4. The partner catches, then does their own self-toss and throw.
  5. Change the toss every time: high, low, glove side, out in front. Let the throw come from whatever arm angle the catch leaves.

Coaching points

  • Out of the glove at once. No looking down at the ball and no hunting for the seams.
  • A different toss on every rep, so it never becomes routine.
  • Move the feet while the ball is in the air, so the body is lined up with the partner by the catch.
  • Accurate first. A quick throw that misses the partner is not a quick play.

Common mistakes

  • Tossing the ball to the same easy spot in front of the chest every time.
  • Holding the ball in the glove to find a four-seam grip before throwing.
  • Standing flat-footed during the toss instead of moving into a throwing position.

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 card

Smaller: half page or quarter page (PDF).

By age

10U

Keep the tosses simple and in front of the body, and focus on a fast two-hand transfer. Shorten the distance if throws start to spray.

12U

Toss lower and off to the side, so players have to move their feet and use a lower arm angle.

14U and up

Push the pace, and make the tosses awkward enough that players have to throw a little off balance, as on a play in the hole.

Next: Free defensive lineup generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should players always throw with a four-seam grip?

For normal catch and long toss, yes. But a fielder also needs to make a good throw with whatever grip they come up with, because on a close play a quick release matters more than a perfect grip.

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