Game version
Target-throw game: throw at a target from a set distance and let the pair keep one total. Keep to your usual number of throws.
Catcher Pop and Throw
Catchers come up out of the squat with quick feet and a short arm to throw out a runner.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Squat as if a runner is on first.
Core: Medium. Keep your usual number of throws and compare only your own accuracy.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Full catcher's gear, balls, partner at second base
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Arm Strength
The steps
How it works
- Squat as if a runner is on first.
- Catch the pitch, turn the ball to your ear as your feet replace each other.
- Throw to the bag at second, on a line or one hop.
- Do 10 throws and rest 1 minute between groups of 5.
Coaching point
Quick feet, short arm, on a line.
Safety: For ages 11 and up. Wear full catcher's gear (helmet with mask, throat guard, chest protector, shin guards and a cup) whenever a ball is thrown to you. A chest protector that meets NOCSAE ND200 is recommended. Count your throws; stop at 10 hard throws.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a distance: Less (short), Core (medium), More (a step back). Keep your usual number of throws and compare only your own accuracy.
Story
You are a catcher throwing to second base, one accurate throw at a time.
My best
Beat your own count
Keep your usual number of throws and compare only your own accuracy. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
Free for families and teams
Save this drill to your child or team, free
Sign up and the free baseball week for this age opens in your child's planner, kept to healthy limits. A coach can send this drill to the whole team as homework, and parents see every session logged.
14 days free for a family, no card · Running a team is always free
Does your child's coach know about this?
An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.