Anyone know of a site with instructions for snap throws to first technique? Also any video clips? Also any help form on this board is appreciated
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Snap throws are a balk.
If you are a LHP you can step off the back then quickly throw to first (like you can if you are a RHP for third).
If you are a LHP you can step off the back then quickly throw to first (like you can if you are a RHP for third).
are we talking a catchers snap throw here?
Catcher, sorry about the confusion
If we are talking Catching:
Snap throws to first are almost solely on Arm strength when from the knees, otherwise its a quick jump turn "squaring" the body to first.
Also...
I doubt there is much information on snap throws to first from catcher because it is very low percentage. You have a greater percentage of making a throwing error than you do of getting the guy out. I know a lot of prep catchers get enamored with it because they see a pro do it ... but truth is a pro MIGHT do it 5 times in a 162 game season. Additionally, I cant remember the last time I saw a Division 1 college catcher snap throw to first.
Bluntly...
Unless you have an absolute hose, save the trouble! Now then suppose you are a catcher and you want to keep a runner closer at first, but aren't real worried about getting the guy out. Then just make a quick "regular" throw...dont snap.
Fuzzy Math...
In 100 snap throws, the odds are that you'll get less than 1 runner out. However, theres a good chance you'll sail 10-15 or so into RF, thus defeating the purpose.
Snap throws to first are almost solely on Arm strength when from the knees, otherwise its a quick jump turn "squaring" the body to first.
Also...
I doubt there is much information on snap throws to first from catcher because it is very low percentage. You have a greater percentage of making a throwing error than you do of getting the guy out. I know a lot of prep catchers get enamored with it because they see a pro do it ... but truth is a pro MIGHT do it 5 times in a 162 game season. Additionally, I cant remember the last time I saw a Division 1 college catcher snap throw to first.
Bluntly...
Unless you have an absolute hose, save the trouble! Now then suppose you are a catcher and you want to keep a runner closer at first, but aren't real worried about getting the guy out. Then just make a quick "regular" throw...dont snap.
Fuzzy Math...
In 100 snap throws, the odds are that you'll get less than 1 runner out. However, theres a good chance you'll sail 10-15 or so into RF, thus defeating the purpose.
No confusion at all---I just never heard the term used with regard to a pitcher
I do not think you teach that aspect of the game---that is an instinct action for a catcher--we have been blessed with some fine catchers over the years and they just knew what to do
I do not think you teach that aspect of the game---that is an instinct action for a catcher--we have been blessed with some fine catchers over the years and they just knew what to do
quote:I know a lot of prep catchers get enamored with it because they see a pro do it ... but truth is a pro MIGHT do it 5 times in a 162 game season.
You apparently haven't watched too many Cardinal games... Yadier Molina probably guns down 10-15 a year or more throwing to first. I imagine he has a pretty high rate of success too.. he isn't "wrong" very often and I don't think I've seen him throw one away either..
But your point is understood. It really isn't something that most catchers are going to do because there is a high risk of an error. But if the catcher and 1st baseman can be on the same page, they can get a few runners..
I agree it's a low percentage play but there are times it can be used and successful.
1. Left handed hitter up - you can use him to "block" the view of the runner of what you are doing. Very effective if the runner is very aggressive or lazy / doesn't pay attention. Especially good if the pitch runs in on the hitter. Catcher can use this to create momentum to turn the body for the throw.
2. Failed bunt attempt - the batter basically whiffs on a good pitch to lay down. The runner anticipates the ball down but it's not. A good catcher will look for this and not react.
The thing you have to work in footwork to make this effective. You have to end up in a proper throwing form or the chances of a bad throw go up a whole lot.
The snap throw from the knee can be worked on in practice but let's face it - it takes a stud to make this play. I can work on my NBA 3 point shot but it doens't mean I can do it. Stick with fundamental throws.
1. Left handed hitter up - you can use him to "block" the view of the runner of what you are doing. Very effective if the runner is very aggressive or lazy / doesn't pay attention. Especially good if the pitch runs in on the hitter. Catcher can use this to create momentum to turn the body for the throw.
2. Failed bunt attempt - the batter basically whiffs on a good pitch to lay down. The runner anticipates the ball down but it's not. A good catcher will look for this and not react.
The thing you have to work in footwork to make this effective. You have to end up in a proper throwing form or the chances of a bad throw go up a whole lot.
The snap throw from the knee can be worked on in practice but let's face it - it takes a stud to make this play. I can work on my NBA 3 point shot but it doens't mean I can do it. Stick with fundamental throws.
It is a very low percentage play unless your last name is Molina. We have ran it a few times on kind of a pitch out. If the guy on first is geting a very aggresive secondary, throw an outside pitch and take a chance. But we are in 14U and we only do it with the intent to teach the catchers when it is OK to try it. It helps a heck of a lot if you a first baseman with a great glove. Come to think of it, it always helps to have a first baseman with a golden glove. 
Estone28, good point, son throws down to 1st too often, has come close but no cigar. I would rather he save his arm for getting them at second. Tonight son did not have good game throwing. Did good catching and blocking. Coach said he wasn't setting his feet correctly.
quote:Additionally, I cant remember the last time I saw a Division 1 college catcher snap throw to first.
From last Saturday night UCLA at Stanford; I was there and the following was a snap throw: "out at first c to 1b to ss to 1b, caught stealing."
http://www.gostanford.com/spor...stan25.html#GAME.PLY
Personally, I think that snap throws are a great way to deal with over-agressive or lazy base runners. My guess is that such throws generate an out every third throw, and tend to reduce the number of advances on dropped pitches.
But it isn't something you call from the bench! It has to be entirely the catcher's decision.
The one suggestion I would make is that I prefer the baserunner not even know the catcher is watching him until he's throwing in behind him.
I have to tell our catchers constantly to stop pump faking and having stare contests with runners at first. Just watch the runner out of the corner of your eye or with your peripheral vision.....this may help to lull him to sleep. Then all of a sudden the ball is halfway down to first and he didn't even know you were looking at him. This play is about quickness, arm strength, and especially the element of surprise.
I have to tell our catchers constantly to stop pump faking and having stare contests with runners at first. Just watch the runner out of the corner of your eye or with your peripheral vision.....this may help to lull him to sleep. Then all of a sudden the ball is halfway down to first and he didn't even know you were looking at him. This play is about quickness, arm strength, and especially the element of surprise.
For a high school team this in not a throw that should sail into the out field 10-15% of the time. Our catcher has an avg. arm (85mph). We have had the most success with this throw when our catcher goes to his knees throwing back to the pitcher a couple of times. Then we use the same motion letting the catcher falling forward to add to the momentum of the throw. We try to make it look as if the catcher is throwing back to the pitcher, but actually throws to first. We have played 20 games, and have picked 4 this year doing this. It is not a high percentage play, but it is an out and it will keep runners from being over aggressive even if the runner is not called out. We also have a verbal call from our first baseman if he thinks a runner may not be paying attention when returning to the bag.
quote:Originally posted by Bulldog 19:quote:I know a lot of prep catchers get enamored with it because they see a pro do it ... but truth is a pro MIGHT do it 5 times in a 162 game season.
You apparently haven't watched too many Cardinal games... Yadier Molina probably guns down 10-15 a year or more throwing to first.
Molina is kind of the anomaly(sp) or exception to the rule. There are 15 or so other guys who, like I said, might go a whole season without doing it 5 times.