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Show the Dog the Ball (Throwing Progression)

ThrowingFull field8 minAges 6-8, 9-122-12 playersIntensity: lightPitch Smart OK

Arm-action checkpoint: take the ball back so the dog behind you can see it.

Use this drill in a practiceBack to library

Your job today

Imagine a dog standing behind you. Before you throw, take the ball way back so the dog can see it. Then throw to your partner.

What good looks like: Show the dog the ball on every single throw. Big arm circle, step to your partner.

Why it matters: A full arm circle makes the ball go farther and keeps your arm healthy. Short, jerky throws are how arms get sore.

How it works

8U throwing-station progression from Baseball BC. Players work the arm path through four stages — one knee, square-and-throw, stand-and-throw (rock and fire), step-and-throw — checking 'show the dog the ball' (ball faces back, away from the target) at the top of every arm circle. Focus on alignment, balance, and a full arm circle.

Reps / rounds
4 stages, ~5 throws each
Rest between sets
20s
Space needed
20x20ft
Coaches
1-2

Equipment

  • glove
  • 5 baseballs

If you don't have it

  • No baseballs? Use wiffle balls (moves to Backyard).

Setup

  1. Partners 15-20 ft apart
  2. Start on one knee

Run the drill

  1. One-knee throws checking 'show the dog'
  2. Square-and-throw
  3. Stand-and-throw (rock and fire)
  4. Step-and-throw to finish

Coaching cues

  • Show the dog the ball at the top
  • Thumb to thigh, knuckles to sky
  • Step to the target

Common mistakes

  • Short-arming (no arm circle)
  • Ball never faces back
  • Throwing all-arm with no step

Scoring

Track checkpoints hit (rubric).

Adjust it

Make it easier

  • easier: one-knee wrist flips, 7-10 ft

Make it harder

  • intro: one knee only
  • intermediate: full stand-and-throw
  • advanced: step-and-throw at game distance

Variations

  • Partner check: Partner calls out whether the dog saw the ball

Safety

  • STOP_ON_PAIN: Distinguish acceptable muscle soreness from joint pain or severe muscle ache. Any pain, pop, or possible injury must be reported to a parent, coach, or trusted adult, and the activity stopped immediately. Any sign of illness or injury must be evaluated before returning.
  • PITCH_SMART_GENERAL: Pitch Smart is the canonical guideline set for youth pitch counts and required rest. Throwing volumes, rest days, and allowed pitch types must defer to Pitch Smart's age-banded tables. Compliance program available for orgs.

Source

Author: platform · Status: Reviewed · Last reviewed 2026-06-03