Top 5 Drills to Improve Your Throwing Program – Coach Duke & Coach Steve’s Guide

 

Introduction

Throwing is one of the most fundamental skills in baseball and mastering it can make a significant difference in a player’s performance. Whether you're a new coach or a seasoned one, refining your team’s throwing techniques should be a top priority. In this guide, Coach Duke and Coach Steve walk you through the top five drills that can take your throwing program to the next level. These drills focus on enhancing accuracy, arm strength, and adaptability, ensuring players develop elite-level throwing mechanics.

1. Quick Hands Drill

The Quick Hands Drill is designed to improve hand speed and efficiency when transferring the ball. In this drill, players work on receiving the ball cleanly and making fast, precise throws. The key focus points include:

  • Soft hands to absorb the ball
  • Quick and smooth transitions from glove to throwing hand
  • Keeping the feet active to align the body for accurate throws

This drill is especially beneficial for infielders who need to make rapid transfers and deliver strong throws to first base or turn double plays.

2. Cuts and Relays Drill

One of the most critical aspects of team defense is executing cuts and relays effectively. This drill helps players understand their roles in relay situations and reinforces:

  • Proper positioning for cut-off plays
  • Quick decision-making when relaying throws from the outfield
  • Communication between infielders and outfielders to prevent extra bases

Practicing this drill helps teams minimize defensive errors and improve their ability to control baserunners.



3. Throwing from Different Arm Slots

Great throwers in baseball can adjust their arm angles depending on the situation. This drill focuses on throwing from multiple arm slots—overhand, three-quarters, and sidearm—to simulate game-like scenarios. Benefits of this drill include:

  • Developing comfort with varied arm angles for different plays
  • Improving control and accuracy from non-traditional positions
  • Enhancing adaptability for fielders who need to throw on the run

By incorporating this drill into your throwing program, players become more versatile in their defensive roles.

4. Accuracy and Target Drill

Throwing strength is important, but accuracy is what truly separates elite players from the rest. The Accuracy and Target Drill reinforces precision by using targets such as nets, buckets, or designated zones on a wall. Key elements include:

  • Focusing on consistent release points
  • Developing muscle memory for hitting specific targets
  • Practicing under simulated game pressure to improve real-time execution

This drill is great for all positions, helping players fine-tune their throwing mechanics and reduce throwing errors.

5. Long Toss Drill for Arm Strength

The Long Toss Drill is a staple in any serious throwing program. It enhances arm strength and builds endurance by progressively increasing the throwing distance. Important aspects of this drill include:

  • Starting with short throws and gradually moving back
  • Emphasizing proper mechanics to avoid unnecessary strain
  • Incorporating crow hops for added momentum and power

This drill is essential for pitchers and fielders alike, helping them develop strong and durable arms for long throws during games.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of throwing requires consistent practice and the right drills. Coach Duke and Coach Steve have provided a structured approach to improving your throwing program with these top five drills. From quick hands and cuts & relays to arm slot versatility, accuracy training, and long toss, each drill is designed to elevate a player’s throwing skills.

By integrating these drills into your coaching routine, you’ll help your players refine their techniques and dominate the field with confidence. Keep practicing, stay disciplined, and watch your team’s throwing abilities reach new heights!

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