The throwing hand has a job during the catch. It comes over the top of the glove and traps the ball, then secures the grip for the throw. Kids who only use the glove drop more balls and throw later. Two hands is the standard.
What you need: A glove for the kid, 5 tennis balls or baseballs.
Setup: Stand 12 feet apart. Kid has the glove on, throwing hand free.
How to run it:
- Cue: Eyes, Hands, Squeeze, Pull.
- Demonstrate: throwing hand sits a few inches behind the glove, ready. When the ball hits the glove, the throwing hand comes over the top and traps it.
- Have them mirror the position with no ball. Three reps.
- Toss them 10 balls slowly. They have to use two hands every time.
- Last 5: faster tosses. Two hands or the rep doesn’t count.
What to watch: When the throwing hand arrives. It should arrive at the same time as the ball. If it arrives before, they’re cheating. If it arrives after, the ball might pop out before they get there.
If they’re struggling: Have them hold the throwing hand on top of the glove for the whole drill. They never separate the hands.
If they’ve got it: Throw faster. Or throw above the head and below the waist so the two-hand position has to adjust.