TRAINING ROOM
8
BEHIND THE PLATE
Throwing to Third Base
by
PATRICK JERNIGAN
There is a pretty good
runner on second base
with a decent lead off the
base. Here’s the pitch and
there he goes!
Throwing to third is
probably the easiest of all
the bases. This is because
your body has to turn just
slightly to get into a good
throwing position.
There are two methods that must be used to
throw to third base. Both
the middle/inside method and the outside method are used with a righthanded batter. Only the
middle/inside method is
used with a left-handed
batter, because you do
not have to throw around
him.
Page 94 • www.batwars.com • www.baseballthemag.com
Middle/Inside Method
This is the method you will use for pitches that are down the middle and
inside. Remember, if the batter is left-handed, this is the method you will
use for inside, middle, and outside, simply because you won’t have to
throw around a left-handed batter when throwing to third.
You are set up in a receiving stance with runners on base. As a result,
your butt is slightly lifted and your throwing hand is positioned behind
your glove for a quick transfer.
First, you are going to receive the ball. Stay fairly low while performing
this move. If you stand straight up after receiving the ball, you will waste
time, which will give the runner an extra step. So, stay low. I always tell
catchers to click their heels or click their ankles when executing this
move, but basically you will be replacing your left foot with your right
foot. You do not actually have to touch your feet together; it is just a way
to visualize keeping your right foot low and in line while moving it to the
left foot. You never want to cross your right foot in front or behind your
left foot during this move. The last thing you want to do is trip over your
feet and fall down. Your chest is still facing the pitcher and you are work-
ing on your transfer while locking your eyes on your target—over the bag.
Just before the right foot reaches the left foot, stride your left foot towards third
base. Now your chest and body are angling to a throwing position, giving you
plenty of room behind the batter. Use proper throwing technique and always
throw the ball over the bag or slightly to the inside. NEVER THROW A BALL TO
THE OUTSIDE OF THE BAG! No runner is ever going to steal third base running
from the dugout. Even during practice, never allow yourself to throw it to the
outside (left) of the bag.
Outside Method
If you were to use the inside/middle technique to throw the ball to third base—set
up on the outside part of the plate—you would be in a perfect position to hit the
batter! We don’t want this to happen, so we have to throw in front of the batter.
Once you receive the ball, you will take a jab step with your right foot, forward
and slightly to the right, almost like you are taking a step toward the second baseman. Your left foot will come out and step toward third
base. You are now straddling home plate. Your body is
turned sideways, ready to make a strong throw to third
base. This clears you from the batter, giving you an open
lane to throw to third.
This technique takes a lot more practice. Therefore,
during your practice time when you are throwing to the
bases, make sure you work on both methods of throwing
to third base. When the game is on the line, you don’t
want to lose because of a lack of preparation.
Visit www.simplicityofcatching.com to purchase
The Simplicity of Catching DVD, The Simplicity of
Catching E-book, or for other catching tips.
Baseball The Magazine
Issue 2 • 2013
Page 95