The shuffle is the heart of a strong throw. The back foot steps toward the front foot, which loads the hips and creates rotation. This is how kids build distance and accuracy at the same time.
What you need: 15 soft baseballs (12” for 12U), a partner at 30 feet.
Setup: Stand 30 feet apart. Kid faces you in a ready position.
How to run it:
- Cue: Turn, Shuffle, Point, Fire.
- They turn the shoulders (Turn), shuffle the back foot toward the front foot (Shuffle), point the glove (Point), and fire (Fire).
- Do 5 throws. After each throw, reset feet and repeat.
- Move back to 35 feet. Do 5 more.
- Move back to 40 feet. Do 5 more. Count accurate throws.
- Switch: you throw so they see the full motion.
What to watch: Does the shuffle foot land in front of or beside the front foot? It should land in front for maximum hip rotation.
If they’re struggling: Slow it down. Have them shuffle twice before throwing. Stay at 30 feet.
If they’ve got it: Add movement. They shuffle while backing up or moving laterally, then throw on the move.