By: Dale Ray

Equipment:

• Balls and Gloves

Step 1

Divide the team into four groups as evenly as possible. Each group starts at a base, including home plate.

Step 2

Start a ball at any base. The player throws the ball to the next base, either clockwise or counterclockwise. After releasing the ball, the player sprints to the base to which she threw the ball. Each player at the base will catch the ball, and then run to the base where they have thrown ball. (Follow the ball.)

VARIATIONS

Make sure you throw both directions to work on the proper footwork for each throw. You can have all of the throws represent a force play, or a tag play with the associated techniques used.

Use throw down bases, or other markers to increase the distance for older players and decrease it for younger players.

To work on longer throws use only three groups. Eliminate one of the corner groups. Now you have one throw across the diagonal of the field. This is also good for smaller groups.

If you only want to work on long throws have the players throw across the diagonal and then run to the next corner base. (Example: Home throws to second and then runs to first.) The throws go back and forth across the diagonals and the players run either clockwise or counterclockwise.

When the players become proficient using one ball, start using two balls to practice the drill. The balls start on the opposite corners.