I remember the first time I picked up a baseball. It was in my backyard, and my dad was standing a few feet away, glove ready, encouraging me to throw. That simple game of catch became a daily ritual, something I looked forward to after school.
Playing catch taught me the basics of baseball. The precision needed to aim, the quick reflexes to catch a wayward throw, and the concentration to stay in the moment—all these skills started with playing catch.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, making the most of your catch sessions can greatly improve your game.
Let me share why playing catch is so important and how you can get the most out of every session.
The Building Block of Baseball Skills
Imagine a game where players struggle to throw accurately or catch reliably. It would be chaos, with missed plays and extra outs given away. This is why I emphasize playing catch so much.
When you play catch, you're practicing more than just the physical act of throwing and catching. You’re working on your hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and mental focus. Each throw helps you learn to control the ball better, and each catch teaches you to anticipate and react quickly.
How to Get Better at Throwing and Catching
Here are a few key areas I’ve found that can make a big difference in your game:
1. Proper Grip
When I was younger, I started by gripping the ball with my whole hand. As I got better, I switched to using a four-seam grip, which involves holding the ball with your index and middle fingers across the seams. This grip gives you more control and helps you throw straighter.
2. Aiming for a Target
One tip that always stuck with me is to aim small. Instead of just throwing to your partner, pick a specific spot on their chest and aim for it every time. I like to visualize a small target and concentrate on hitting it with each throw.
3. Using Proper Mechanics
Make sure you step towards your target, use your legs to generate power, and follow through with your throw.
4. Staying Focused
I’ve found that minimizing chatter and keeping your mind on the game helps you get the most out of each session. Treat each throw as if it’s during a real game.
5. Making it Fun and Challenging
For younger players, try seeing how many consecutive catches you can make without dropping the ball. For more advanced players, create scoring systems based on accuracy or distance.
6. Gradually Increasing Distance
Start at a comfortable distance where you can make accurate throws and catches. Gradually move back as you get better.
Boosting Your Hitting Through Catch Play
You might not immediately connect playing catch with improving your hitting skills, but the two are more closely related than you think. Here’s how catch practice can help you become a better hitter.
Training Your Eyes and Brain
One of the most important aspects of hitting is being able to pick up the ball quickly out of the pitcher’s hand. During catch, you can practice this by focusing on your partner’s hand as they release the ball.
Focusing on Specific Targets
I’ve found that focusing on the logo of my partner’s hat during catch helps mimic the action of picking up the ball out of a pitcher’s hand.
Developing Concentration and Hand-Eye Coordination
When you’re focused on catching every throw, you’re sharpening the same skills needed to track and hit a baseball.
So now, I’ve shared how focusing on these techniques can make your practice more effective. Plus, the benefits extend beyond just throwing and catching; they also enhance your hitting skills.
So grab your glove, find a partner, and start throwing. You’ll be amazed at how much you can grow through this simple yet effective practice.