In baseball, not just in amateur leagues, playing catch is a fundamental warm-up exercise.
If you're just doing this catch-and-throw exercise as a way to warm up your shoulders, you're missing out on a lot.
There are many things you can practice while playing catch, and you can also be helpful to your partner by catching the ball well.
This time, I'll write about various things you should try and practice when playing catch.
A collection of articles on batting, fielding, and base running tips for beginners in amateur baseball.
Regarding throwing distance
Regarding the throwing distance, start with a short distance and gradually increase the distance.
It's inconsiderate to move so far away that the other person can't reach you just because you can.
Let's adjust it to the one with the shorter reach.
Even if it's close, throwing a strong ball will solve the problem.
About throwing
Basically, throw using the throwing motion you most often use when playing defense.
For infielders, this refers to the throw from their defensive position to first base; for outfielders, it refers to the throw when returning the ball to the infield relay.
For a pitcher, it might be helpful to imagine throwing from the mound towards the catcher.
Since even catch practice is a form of training, the amount of experience you gain will vary depending on which game play you imagine when you throw the ball.
I think it's best to practice using the throwing style that you want to practice the most.
And of course, the target area is the opponent's chest, where it's easiest for them to catch.
For pitchers, the target area will probably be a little higher than where you want to practice, but just stick to throwing at chest level.
It might be a good idea to try moving it slightly from side to side.
However, in any case, if the opponent cannot catch the ball, it is entirely the thrower's fault.
The basic principle is to throw the ball to a position where the opponent can catch it without having to move their feet.
How to catch it
I believe that in catchball, the emphasis is more on how to catch the ball than on how to throw it.
Paying attention to how you catch the ball significantly improves your glove handling and catching skills.
First, absolute beginners who aren't used to catching the ball should focus solely on catching it.
If the ball goes to the left or right, move yourself to the left or right to get in front of it and catch it slowly.
It's better than trying to catch it with one hand and letting it get past you.
Next, let's talk about people who can catch fish at an average level.
The things I'd like you to try with catching are the same as in catcher's practice.
When you catch the ball, try not to move your glove from the spot where you caught it for about a second.
The reason for this is to allow the other party to see how much the shot deviates from the intended target.
If the glove moves when the ball is caught, it becomes impossible to tell where the ball actually went.
Additionally, when catching a ball, practicing to catch it using only your glove without moving from your spot as much as possible will expand your defensive repertoire.
In particular, beginners often struggle with catching balls at waist height and catching balls on the side where they are wearing the glove.
Make sure to show the catching surface of your glove to your opponent and catch the ball firmly.
Often, some people find their stance shifts further and further with each throw.
To prevent this from happening, it's a good idea to draw a circle so you know where you are standing.
People whose stepping foot is misaligned with their opponent's tend to drift further and further apart.
An analysis of the other person's personality
Playing catch is a useful way to get to know someone's personality.
For example, a strong-willed person will stay at their preferred distance and throw whatever they want, whether it's a long throw or a curveball.
Even if they are too far away for us to reach, they won't try to close the distance and will stay in the place where they feel most comfortable.
And yet, their catching of the ball is often haphazard.
Conversely, considerate people will show various signs of care when catching the ball, as mentioned earlier.
From my experience, I feel that many catchers are this type of person.
derived practice
As an extension of playing catch, a good practice method is long throwing.
Gradually increase the throwing distance, and when you can no longer reach, throw it low with one bounce.
In this case, make sure the upward bulge is no more than twice your height.
Throwing the ball in an arc not only wastes time, but it also leaves the runner free until the next fielder catches the ball.
In baseball, throwing the ball in an arc is (almost) non-existent.
Throwing a ball with one bounce requires some skill, so practice it.
By using your entire body to throw long distances, you'll be able to throw better balls even at shorter distances.
This practice is especially recommended for outfielders and pitchers.
Another variation of this practice is catch and throw, where you catch the ball and throw it immediately.
I don't know the official name, but it's a type of catchball where you step forward at the same time as catching the ball and throw it quickly.
It requires speed and a reasonable degree of accuracy, and the advantage is that it warms you up quickly.
Making the distance a little shorter makes it a good practice to do right before you finish playing catch.
This is a recommended practice for infielders.
summary
I've written about various aspects of playing catch.
I've spent quite a bit of time on catching the ball, but that's because I think catching is that important.
For beginners in amateur baseball, it's difficult to improve unless you consciously connect every movement to practice.
If you don't just do things haphazardly, but always have the awareness of "I'll pay attention to this this time," you will definitely improve.
A collection of articles on batting, fielding, and base running tips for beginners in amateur baseball.
