Long throws need momentum. A small skip-step toward the target after catching the ball lets the kid use their body weight in the throw. Outfielders do this on every catch. Infielders do it on deep throws.
What you need: 8 baseballs, a glove, a partner.
Setup: Stand 40 feet apart on grass. Both kids have a glove. Pile of balls next to one of them.
How to run it:
- Walk through the cue: Turn, Shuffle, Point, Fire. Today the focus is Shuffle.
- Demonstrate the shuffle: catch the ball, take a small skip-step toward the target so both feet leave the ground at the same time, then throw. The skip is small. Six inches off the ground.
- Without throwing, have them practice the skip 3 times.
- Now you throw to them. They catch, skip, throw back. 5 reps slow.
- Last round: 5 reps at full speed. You’re throwing them grounders or high tosses they have to move for.
What to watch: The skip is forward, not up. Most kids will jump straight up like a kangaroo. We want a low forward skip toward the target. If they’re going up, tell them “skip toward me, not toward the sky.”
If they’re struggling: Slow it down. Have them step forward with one foot instead of skipping with both. Add the skip next week.
If they’ve got it: Move back to 60 feet. The longer throw forces a bigger skip.