Importance of playing Catch
Playing catch is essential to the game. It’s also one of the most valuable things that youth players can accomplish when circumstances don’t allow for more training. To make sure that players get maximum value out of playing catch, let’s review the key things to focus on, especially for young players who are developing strength and coordination.
1) Point to your target. Kids can be squirrelly and that’s never more apparent than with their feet. Cutting down the noise (extra efforts and wasted movements) by pointing their front shoulder and foot to their target is the best way to begin the throwing sequence. This also helps limit players from opening up too soon and throwing across their bodies. Starting with a target in mind and pointing to that target is a quality that will serve the player well beyond playing catch.
2) Show the ball behind you. Young players tend to keep their arm close to the body and pick up bad habits in the ways they hold the ball. The simple act of showing the ball behind you, both pushes the arm away from the body and allows the player to proceed to a good arm slot for their release. It also makes it possible to accomplish #3, so keep reading 😉.
3) Get on top of the ball. As you come forward to release the ball, you’re going to want your hand to be on top of the ball. This is going to maximize the quality of the release and provide greater control over the trajectory of the ball.
4) Finish forward. Moving toward your target and finishing forward to that target is extremely important. There are several values with this final point. It makes the distance shorter for one, which can help when trying to throw out a fast runner or when base lengths are shorter at the younger levels. Secondly, it keeps the player on target, not falling, opening up, or twisting to a side where accuracy becomes an issue. Lastly, it provides for maximum velocity by not pulling off of the throw (to a side or even backing away from the intended target).
Now, to the other side of playing catch = learning to receive the ball properly
Two main points regarding receiving the ball.
1) Value the ball. When receiving the ball, it’s most important to ‘go get it’. Create in your mind or your player’s mind a value for the ball that presses them to anticipate the flight of the ball and to get their body in position to receive. If the ball is of top importance, they will learn to do whatever it takes to get it. While playing catch is the perfect opportunity to hammer this home.
2) Receive out front. Pushing the glove out front provides a nice target for their teammate, but also provides the best opportunity to catch and handle the ball. Once the glove comes into the body or off to the side, the player is in a poor position to adjust to the ball, receive it cleanly, and handle it for the next action. If I’m looking over my glove that is placed out front, I can truly see the ball into my glove, maximize the ability to adjust to the flight of the ball, and the arm provides a ‘shock absorber’ when receiving the throw.
Follow these simple steps on a daily basis to create good habits. What’s even better is that all of these tips for a simple game of playing catch translate when players move to pitching, catching, and advanced fielding.
Playing catch is also essential to relationship. Moms and dads who are constantly asking what they can do to help their child at home, will find that a regular game of playing catch, following the tips above, will greatly improve their child’s abilities and confidence. It can really be that simple and valuable, while also creating a special opportunity for parent and child to connect regularly. Some of my fondest memories were in the backyard playing catch with my dad. I don’t recall how long we spent or what drills we completed, I only remember that he was always willing to grab the gloves and play catch with me.
Let us encourage you to go make some memories while helping your chid’s game. Play Catch!