Throw to 3rd

Footwork,footwork,footwork. Check out Catching Coach's website and you'll get a good synopsis.

A trick you can use that may be helpful is simply set up a bit deeper behind the hitter, about one foot. It will help you clear the hitter easier. Be smart...will work with FB but not a curveball to the outer half.

Check your weight distribution after you come up to throw...if you are throwing in the dirt I'll bet money you have too much weight on your front/lead/left leg. Often caused by bad footwork and coming up too upright...stay low and be smooth. Drive your left shoulder down as you throw so you don't airmail into LF.

Unless you are a big kid and/or the batter is small, usually your best bet is to avoid trying throwing over the hitter. Smart batter will stand tall and not move...seen more than one broken finger after hitting a batting helmet with the throwing hand.

Watch the hitter...sometimes a hitter will move way back in the box if the steal is on in order to help the runner.

You are not by yourself in this...alot of catchers are great throwing to 2nd but struggle going to 3rd.

thanks for the advice. do you have a link to that website?

S. Abrams has you pretty much covered, it's in the footwork and squaring up. One other problem is that the catcher sometimes focuses on the runner just like an infielder will take a glance at a runner and the ball will go through has legs. Same thing can happen to a catcher when he throws to third. Try to only focus on the third baseman and aim for his knee. That's how we have corrected the catchers we've work with on the throw down.

What is the location of the pitch you are having trouble with? What technique are you using to clear the batter?

As an aside, you will not always throw to third by clearing the hitter from behind. Many coaches prefer that outside pitches be handled by clearing in front of the plate (hitter) i.e. step forward towards the ball with your right foot,followed by stepping forward with your left foot and then throw. Clearing the hitter from behind on an outside pitch may tie you up and take to long and/or result in bad throws.

Sounds like its all in your feet!