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Baseball drill

21 throwing accuracy game

Partners score their catch: 2 points for a throw the receiver catches without moving the glove, 1 for a catch in the chest-to-head area, and the first to 21 wins. It makes every warm-up throw count.

A youth baseball player stepping to throw at a partner's glove held still at the middle of the chest across the outfield grass
Video by Antonelli Baseball on YouTube. The write-up below is ours.

At a glance

Sport
Baseball and Softball
Skill
Throwing
Ages
6U to High school
Players
2 per pair (any number of pairs)
Time
About 10 minutes
Level
Beginner
Equipment
Gloves, One ball per pair
Indoors
Needs a field

Warm-up catch is often the least focused part of practice: players throw the ball somewhere near their partner and talk. Keeping score changes that. The receiver holds a still glove target at the chest, and every throw earns points depending on where it arrives, so each one matters.

Partners score themselves, so a whole team can play at once while the coach walks the line. Play it once arms are loose, at the end of the daily throwing progression, or send it home for players to play in the backyard.

Setup

  • Pair players with one ball per pair.
  • Space partners about 45 to 60 feet apart for 12U and up, closer for younger players.
  • The receiver stands square to the thrower and holds the glove up at the chest as the target before every throw.

How to run it

  1. The receiver sets the feet and shows a still glove target at chest height.
  2. The thrower steps and throws at the glove.
  3. Two points if the receiver catches it without moving the glove, or barely moving it.
  4. One point if the glove has to move but the ball is caught in the upper body, chest to head.
  5. No points for anything outside that area, including throws at the waist or below.
  6. Throw back and forth, calling out the scores, until someone reaches 21.

Coaching points

  • Receivers stay square and keep the glove still until the ball arrives. That keeps the scoring honest.
  • Aim at the glove itself, not just at the partner.
  • Keep the feet working: step toward the target on every throw.
  • Pick the target, then let the eyes relax through the arm swing and find it again at release, rather than staring hard the whole time.

Common mistakes

  • Creeping closer together as the game goes on.
  • Receivers lowering or moving the target before the ball arrives.
  • Slowing the arm down to aim the ball, which is not how anyone throws in a game.

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

Coach pitch and 10U

Play at 30 to 45 feet and to 11 points, so games are short and players stay focused.

12U

Play at about base-path distance to 21, with strict scoring on the chest target.

14U and up

Back up toward 75 to 90 feet, or require a quick transfer and a crow hop before every throw.

Next: Free defensive lineup generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a throw at the waist or knees count in the 21 game?

No. Fielders want the ball chest-high, where it is easiest to catch and tag or throw again, so only throws between the chest and the head score.

How do you stop partners arguing over the score?

Make the receiver the judge of each throw, and have them hold the glove still until the ball arrives, so both players can see how far it moved.

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