Defensive Fundamentals: Throws, Relays, Cuts & Diving

Last updated Sep 17, 2026

August 22, 2026

Practice Length: 120 Minutes

Primary Focus: Throws, relays, bases and tags

Equipment: Balls, 4 buckets, bases, cones, fungo/bat

Start	End	Min	Activity	Organization / Setup	Key Coaching Points
11AM	11:15AM	15	Dynamic Stretches	Team together on foul line; progress 10-15 yards per movement.	Full range of motion; controlled pace; prepare shoulders, hips and hamstrings.
11:15AM	11:30AM	15	Throwing Program	Short Program 4 levels of 10 only using the paddles. Play Pressure game with "Imma stars at the end"	Athletic receiving stance, two hands, move body, checkpoints to throw
11:30AM	11:45AM	15	Cut Relay	Two relay lines. Outfielder throws through the cutoff; cutoff turns glove-side and delivers to the base.	Loud communication; line up ball and target; show hands; receive on throwing side; quick exchange.
11:45AM	12:10PM	25	Cut Bucket Drills — Levels 1-4		Accurate chest-high throw glove side; working on correct footwork
12:10PM	12:25PM	15	Outfield Throws to All Bases	Rotate through throws to 1B, 2B, 3B and home	Emphasis on where infielders stand on the bag
12:25PM	12:40PM	15	Catcher Throws to All Bases + Tags	Catchers rotate throws to 1B, 2B and 3B. Infielders apply game-speed tags on each received throw.	Emphasis on where infielders stand on the bag. Catchers work on accuracy and getting rid of ball quickly.
12:40PM	12:55PM	15	Diving progression	Have everyone start on line in sprinter position, push far hands out. Next step is to stand walk and repeat. Final step is sprint and dive, make sure their hands are out and their knees do not hit the ground first.

Every throw has a purpose. Communicate early, line up correctly and finish the play with a secure tag.