🎯 THROWING DRILLS

Ages 9-10
The 5-stage daily throwing progression (wrist flicks → one-knee → standing → stretch out → come in) lives in warmup_routine.html with the distance diagram. Run it every practice, same order. This page covers throwing-specific skill drills that complement the daily warm-up.
Crow Hop & Throw (Outfield) 8-10 min
Equipment
1 ball per pair, open space (use outfield grass)
Setup & Execution
Partners stand 60–80 ft apart. One partner tosses a fly ball or rolls a low liner toward the other, who jogs to it, catches with momentum already moving, executes the crow hop, and throws on a line. Switch every 5 throws. The whole point is to combine catch + footwork + throw into one rhythm — never stop moving between the catch and the throw.
Coaching Points
  • Crow hop = jab + step + throw. Catch the ball, small jab step with the throwing-side foot, momentum step with the glove-side foot, throw.
  • Catch the ball with momentum already going toward the target — don't catch flat-footed.
  • Throw on a line, low — let the cutoff get it. Aim for chest-high, not in the air.
  • 4-seam grip every throw. Find it in the glove during the crow hop.
Pro Tip
Outfielders who can crow-hop accurately at 9–10 throw runners out at 11–12. This is the single most important throwing skill for OF.
Quick Release (Infield Rhythm) 6-8 min
Equipment
1 ball per pair, partners 30 ft apart, gloves
Setup & Execution
Partner A rolls a slow grounder to Partner B. B fields, transfers, and throws back to A's chest in one continuous motion — no pause to set feet. A catches and rolls it back immediately. Run continuously for 60 seconds, then switch. Builds the field-transfer-throw rhythm that separates good middle infielders.
Coaching Points
  • Bare hand is at the glove during the catch — instant transfer.
  • Field the ball with momentum already moving toward the throw.
  • Stay low through the transfer — don't stand all the way up to throw.
  • Accuracy first, speed second. A wild quick throw is worse than a clean slow one.
Variation
Add a short hop or a backhand roll to make the catch harder. Stay continuous — the transfer doesn't get to slow down.
Long Toss Day (Development) 10-12 min
When to use
Non-game days only. Builds arm strength and recruits the legs. Don't run this 24 hours before a game and don't pile it on top of a bullpen.
Setup & Execution
Pair up. After a normal warm-up progression, work outward in 15-foot increments: 45 ft (5 throws) → 60 (5) → 75 (5) → 90 (5). At 9–10, cap at 90 ft — no max-effort throws beyond that. Arc is fine at distance. Then come back in: 75 → 60 → 45, throwing on a line with crisp release. About 30–40 throws total.
Coaching Points
  • Arc is okay going out — focus on clean release and full follow-through.
  • Crow hop into every throw at the longer distances.
  • If accuracy or arm slot drops, stop and come in. Never reinforce bad mechanics with effort.
  • Coming back in: throw on a line with zip. The end of long toss is where mechanics lock in.
Warning
Any kid pitching that day or the next day skips long toss — too much arm load. Track who pitched and who's pitching next.
Target Throwing 5-6 min
Equipment
Bucket of balls, fence or net, strike zone target or taped box
Setup & Execution
Set up target on fence at chest height. Players line up 40 feet away. Each player gets 5 throws at target, aiming for center. Can make it competitive - keep score by team or individual. Rotate quickly to keep energy up.
Coaching Points
  • Pick a small target - "aim small, miss small"
  • Don't sacrifice mechanics for speed
  • Step directly at target with front foot
  • Watch for kids aiming with their arm instead of their body
Skills Focus
Accuracy Focus Competitive reps
Throwing Drills