Self-toss removes the pressure of catching a throw from someone else. The kid controls the height and pace. This builds the habit of watching the ball all the way into the glove.
What you need: 5 soft baseballs (11”), a glove, open grass.
Setup: Kid stands alone in a clear area with a glove on.
How to run it:
- They toss the ball underhand 3 feet in the air.
- Eyes stay on the ball the whole time. Catch it with both hands around the glove.
- Do 10 tosses and catches. After each catch, reset and go again.
- On round two, toss slightly higher (4 feet).
- On round three, toss to the side a little (2 feet to the left or right). They step and catch.
What to watch: Are the eyes following the ball or looking away? Eye movement off the ball is why kids miss.
If they’re struggling: Lower the toss to 2 feet. Use a bigger, softer ball.
If they’ve got it: Toss higher (5 feet). Move side to side. Toss behind them and have them turn and catch.