As a number of coaches and every catcher knows, most base-stealing is done against the pitcher. But it's the catcher who has to step forward (or jump turn) and assume the burden or being the hero or goat. It comes down to what's called 'pop time' - from the instant the pitch hits your mitt, until your throw hits the glove at 2nd (or 3rd or 1st).

Note: Not every catching instructor approaches these mechanics in the same way or same sequence. In a companion article by Ryan Sienko, he explains how he likes to make sure the catch always happens prior to any foot move.



Before you can throw, you have to have the ball. Review the Runners-On stance to be in the right receiving position for a quick transition.

• Keep the butt below the ball till the catch - to ensure the umpire has a good view of the pitch.
• Keep the glove hand soft and the bare hand tucked behind (thumb in). As soon as you know the ball will be in the glove, slide the throwing hand open.

The transition should be from where the ball is caught, a stop and deflection to the throwing hand. (Old style rake-back of the glove to the shoulder makes for as easy a transfer, but you'll seldom get a strike call. Also, don't jump out to get the ball early, this interferes with a good strike call - and could result in batter interference.)

Bring the throwing hand back on a direct line to the launch position. No arm circles, even small circles, just straight back with the fingers on top and the thumb under the ball.

Best term for this loading movement - 'bow and arrow' - and it should happen at same time as...


Most throws are to 2nd base. Jump turn, step-back pivot, and stride throw can all work here, but don't mix styles - pick one and stick with it. Also the footwork must be at the same time as the arm loading (bow and arrow) - see Timing.

Jump Turn - Most challenging, requires both front and back feet to reposition at same time so that knees, hips and shoulders are all in a line towards the bag. Stay low - slide the feet around clockwise - turning on a dime, like a Caterpillar tractor. With no stride forward, rotation of hips, torso, and shoulder generate all the launch power. (Animation starts with a one-knee block.)

Step-back Pivot - Alternate transition brings the back leg (usually right leg for RH throw) back and behind so hips and shoulders line up. This transfers the body weight back to allow a wider stance and put more lower body power into the throw. But the extra ball speed may be lost in the time to move back.

Stride Throw - Most forward momentum but also most risk. On ball transition to bow and arrow, back foot steps forward, then left foot strides through the plate on the throw. But you are stepping into the batter's turf - if he swings you could be called for interference or get hurt. Also tendancy to come up on this move - blocking umpire's view, losing the 'strike' call. (Animation starts with clean catch.)

Knee Throw - Only for the exceptional. You stay in low, receiving position and bring your hips up over your knees on the catch, or you start from runners-on stance and drop to your knees. In this case, you are throwing without legs or hips - it's all arm.



Loading up may be short, but make sure the throw and follow-through are full. Extend the elbow just before release and sweep the arm fully through to the opposite leg to avoid bullwhipping injuries. (See new pitching mechanics for details.)


Your approach, especially with a RH batter, depends on the pitch location, also on where the batter is in the box.
At younger ages best is the step-back pivot - throwing behind the batter, more for safety reasons. (If the catcher thinks he has to step in front he may move the glove and himself forward too soon, risking contact and injury should the batter swing.

For Older Ages...

• If the pitch is way outside (against an RH batter) then momentum will take catcher into the lefthand batter's box so an in-front throw is required.
• If the pitch is over the plate or inside, step back and throw behind the batter.