How exactly can I long toss alone. I have a big fence and a 300 ft long backyard
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Our son is a college pitcher, and during the times he is home during summer break, believe it or not he throws long toss about 4-5 times a week alone. I am not physically able to play catch with him. He has a bucket with about 80-90 balls in it. He warms-up on the school blacktop throwing against a hand ball court wall. Then, when ready to stretch it, goes out to the open field and starts throwing I guess just as if he were throwing to someone, stretching the distance out, etc. Then, he runs with the bucket I guess and picks up all the balls. I'm sure some get lost, beat-up, etc....pretty simple I guess, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I think he also sees it as "quality alone time."
My suggestion is to long toss into something that can "catch" the ball. Maybe a hitting net? You would use the motion like you were long tossing. It simple stops ball not to far after it leaves you hand. You would have to make sure you are throwing like you are throwing to someone a specific distance, maybe put something in your yard you can throw too. Then put hitting net in between maybe 5 feet in front of you?
Right now I just kinda throw into a big fence but I feel like I'm just throwing it and not getting as much out of it because my target is so broad. Is there anything I can do to give me a better idea of what I'm throwing to?
Well, you could always put something on the fence or on the ground in front of the fence to use as a target. You want somethin that won't damage the fence. Put a can at the base of the fence (or something softer if you don't want to damage the balls you throw), or fix a piece of paper, cardboard, etc. on the fence itself. (if chain link, tie the target on the fence; if a solid fence, try some low-tack tape or something that won't damage the finish on the fence)
I'm not sure I get the problem. I'm assuming 300' is further than you can throw, right? Do as like2rake suggests. If you need a target put the bucket out by the fence and use as a target, and keep backing up until you hit your max distance.
Try this, it is for indoors but it should work outdoors to.
I like the idea of two buckets as recommended above. You can also use sand balls and throw them against a brick or block wall. You can get a specific program from Wolforth or someone else who has a similar program. Ken Body here and I think Eric Cressy may have one also. These are not mutually exclusive activities but another alternative.
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I can throw about 110' before my shoulder protests. So, my son stands with the bucket and throws to me (I move back) and I throw back to him the best I can. Eventually my throws don't make it back to him but I'm still catching his throws.
OP, if you want a better target than the fence you could use a portable screen (BP net or L screen) or your fence and then just weave some "caution" tape (or police line do not cross tape) in the fencing to define a target.
SoWilson, I feel your pain! Only for me it's the elbow. If we throw at a nearby skinned field, once I'm at my max I start throwing rollers. We can get this distance up to @ 175' that way.
When training catchers, I suggest they throw a lacrosse ball against a wall (tennis courts, schools, parking lots); increasing the distance as they warm up. A lacrosse ball is slightly smaller than a baseball but the same weight; AND it bounces back to you ... perfect for "solo catch".
Midlo Son did this often. Really very easy.
Go to any local field with a bucket of balls. Pick a spot and throw them into the backstop from there. Go gather the balls, then move to a spot a bit farther out. Repeat until you're done.
Anywhere with a fence works fine. An open field is OK I guess, but a backstop or other fence will help make sure you can gather up your balls more quickly, and also help ensure that you find them all.