Baseball drill
Step-behind throwing drill
Starting square to a partner, the player steps toward them, crosses the back foot behind the front foot to turn sideways, then strides and throws. It turns the hips closed and adds rhythm and momentum to the throw.
At a glance
- Sport
- Baseball and Softball
- Skill
- Throwing
- Ages
- 6U 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
Players who stand facing their partner and just step forward never turn their hips, and they lose most of their throw. The step-behind fixes the feet: a short step toward the target, then the back foot crosses behind the front foot, which turns the hips and shoulders sideways before the stride and throw.
It is the same footwork outfielders use on a longer throw, done at catch speed. Use it in daily catch as partners back up, once the shorter, stationary throws are done.
Setup
- Pair players along a foul line about 30 to 45 feet apart.
- Each player starts facing the partner, ball in the glove at the chest.
How to run it
- Take a short step toward the target with the glove-side foot (the left foot for a right-hander).
- Cross the throwing-side foot behind the front foot, turning the hips and shoulders sideways to the target.
- Keep both hands together at the chest while the feet move.
- As the back foot lands, break the hands and stride toward the target with the front foot.
- Throw and let the back leg come through naturally.
Coaching points
- Ball stays in the glove at the chest until the back foot lands.
- Behind, not in front. The back foot crosses behind the front foot.
- Front hip and shoulder point at the target before the stride.
- Stay relaxed and let the feet build the momentum.
Common mistakes
- Breaking the hands apart before the feet start moving.
- Crossing the back foot in front of the front leg, which spins the body off line.
- Staying open-chested to the target.
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
Coach pitch and 10U
Have players say step, behind, throw out loud, and walk through it without a ball a few times before adding the throw.
12U and up
Use it as the bridge in catch play as partners move from about 45 feet out toward long toss, and speed the feet up as the distance grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why step behind instead of in front?
Stepping behind turns the hips closed and keeps the body moving in a straight line toward the target. Crossing in front tends to spin the body off line.
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.