Baseball Throwing Accuracy Drills

In baseball, throwing accurately is as fundamental as swinging a bat. Observing teams during warm-ups often reveals potential winners based on their proficiency in basic throwing drills.

Here, we explore the importance of precision in these throws and introduce drills that enhance this skill while incorporating competition and fun, making them perfect for team practices.

The Foundation of Accurate Baseball Throwing Drills

Understanding the basics of proper throwing mechanics is crucial. These key points are essential when players perform any baseball throwing accuracy drills:

• Four-seam grip: This grip ensures the ball travels straight, aiding in accuracy.
• Elbow positioning: Players should keep their elbows above their shoulders throughout the throw to help maintain accuracy and reduce strain.
• Targeted shoulder: The front shoulder should always point towards the intended target.
• Step towards the target: Movement should be directed towards the target, whether pitching or making a field throw.
• Follow through: Players should always continue the motion towards the target after the ball has been released.

Baseball Throwing Accuracy Drills

These principles can be implemented through specific drills designed to reinforce accurate throwing.

1. Basic Throwing Accuracy Drill

• Position: Players should stand 15 to 20 feet from the target in the power position.
• Execution: Players will throw towards a marked target. Each accurate throw scores a point only if the power position is correctly executed.
• Rotation: Rotate turns in a group setting, using a bucket of balls to ensure ample practice.

As players improve, gradually increase the distance to challenge their accuracy without compromising the power position mechanics.

2. Advanced Throwing Accuracy Drill

This drill builds on the basic setup:

• Add a challenge: Place a ball on a batting tee before the target.
• Scoring: Points are awarded for hitting the strike zone, with additional points for knocking the ball off the tee.
• Variations: Allow throws from the power position and regular motion to cater to different skill levels.

3. Advanced Throwing Accuracy Drill #2

• Setup: Place three cones in a line towards the target, each a bit closer to the target than the last.
• Action: Players start at the first cone, shuffle to it while preparing their throw, and follow the throw past the third cone.
• Scoring: Points are given for each ball that hits the target zone, emphasizing proper follow-through.

Integrate these drills into regular practice sessions to enhance the accuracy and mechanics of baseball throws, which are essential for successful gameplay.

Baseball Coach Neil Anderson’s Notes

Practice visualization: Play out the move in your head of you executing a perfectly mechanically delivered pitch or perfectly fielded ground/fly ball, and throwing a ball on target to where you want the ball to be thrown.

Close the loop: Before every throw, understand well EXACTLY where you want to throw the ball.  After EVERY throw, see where the ball ended up and ‘close the loop’ in your mind by knowing ….”Next time I want it to be ____(higher/lower/more to the left/right)

Throw with a lighter weight: There are two muscle types, fast-twitch and slow-twitch. Mixing in throwing a tennis ball (lighter weight) to help develop fast-twitch muscles will also help with speed and accuracy, as your body learns to adapt

How the SkillShark App Enhances Baseball Training

SkillShark offers an innovative solution designed to enhance baseball training sessions. With SkillShark, coaches can track player performance and provide real-time feedback after each evaluation or practice. This can be incredibly valuable in drills like those mentioned above, where accuracy and technique are essential.