nwthyde wrote:I love the lefty catcher in softball for bunt throws and 1st base throw downs, but the throw to third tends to be problematic. This is very difficult to execute consistently with Right handed batters in the box because the catcher either has to come out in front of the plate to make the throw or throw behind the batter in the box. Throwing in front takes too much time and throwing behind the batters tend to get in the way weather intentionaly or not. At least the righty can clear the way with her glove hand as she throws. I usually have the SS cover on a steal, but do you think it might be better to have 3rd cover (as long as she's not too far up in bunt coverage) and try to create a better angle for the throw? What are your suggestions to this "problem" ?
No question that the throw to third is a challenge for the lefty. It is the same mechanics however as a righty making a pickoff throw to first with a lefty batter. The key to this throw for the lefty can be summed up in one body part. Her left foot.
The placement of her left foot can make or break this throw. The throw needs to be made behind the right handed batter. I teach that in the runners-on stance her toes are pointed up the baselines with her heels in contact with the ground. As she catches the pitch all she is going to do is allow her weight to shift briefly to her right foot giving her the chance to reposition her left foot . Her goal will be to now instead of her toes pointing towards third base, the instep of her left foot will point towards third. Her weight now transfers over onto her left foot and her hips close so that when her right foot hits the ground it is now directly inline with her left foot. Her hips are now lined up with the bag at third and she can make a stong throw to the SS side of 3rd.
She will be close to the batter but if she started the play at the proper distance from the batter she will have enough room to clear the hitters back leg and hip.
This works best when the catcher is set up on the inside of the plate to a righty. If she is set up on the outside half of the plate then the throw is very tough and if I am the 3rd base coach I am always watching in stealing situations to try and send my runner when the lefty is set up on the outside of the plate.