For throws to third base with a RHB in the box, we teach catcher's to use the step-behind footwork shown in the following video (which I googled randomly). The right foot drop-steps pretty far behind the left foot--to allow the catcher to clear the batter, and align the catcher for the throw.
Advance to 2 min. 10 secs.
However, I've studied video of MLB catchers' game-throws to third, and their footwork is either non-existent, or abbreviated and inconsistent. Why? Primarily, I assume, because of the speed of the game. Also, perhaps (?), because MLB catchers set up deeper so that they don't need footwork to clear the batter?
Does step-behind footwork on throws to third apply only to lower levels of the game (HS and below)?
Is it used, for example, in college baseball?
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Examples from MLB.com
I entered "out stealing third" in the MLB.com video search box.
On the first three pages, there were ten videos of MLB catchers making game throws to third with a RHB in the box. None of the ten throws showed step-behind footwork.
"Wieters' strong throw"
No footwork at all to clear the batter
The batter inexplicably cooperates by leaning forward
"Hannigan throws out Beltran"
Shuffle footwork instead of step-behind footwork
"Astros turn two"
Sideways shuffle instead of step-behind footwork
"Lavarny throws out Pena"
No footwork; batter cooperates by leaning forward
"Thole throws out Desmond"
Minimal shuffle footwork (preceded by a tail-on-the-ground stance before the pitch)
"Ross throws out Victorino"
Shuffle footwork (preceded by a tail-down runners-on stance)
"Ecarnation steals third, scores"
Virtually no footwork (preceded by a tail-down stance)
"Pena throws out Choo"
Minimal footwork (advance to 19 secs.)
"Perez nabs Izturis"
No footwork
"Molina throws out Santana"
Minimal step with left foot
Advance to 2 min. 10 secs.
However, I've studied video of MLB catchers' game-throws to third, and their footwork is either non-existent, or abbreviated and inconsistent. Why? Primarily, I assume, because of the speed of the game. Also, perhaps (?), because MLB catchers set up deeper so that they don't need footwork to clear the batter?
Does step-behind footwork on throws to third apply only to lower levels of the game (HS and below)?
Is it used, for example, in college baseball?
__________________________________________
Examples from MLB.com
I entered "out stealing third" in the MLB.com video search box.
On the first three pages, there were ten videos of MLB catchers making game throws to third with a RHB in the box. None of the ten throws showed step-behind footwork.
"Wieters' strong throw"
No footwork at all to clear the batter
The batter inexplicably cooperates by leaning forward
"Hannigan throws out Beltran"
Shuffle footwork instead of step-behind footwork
"Astros turn two"
Sideways shuffle instead of step-behind footwork
"Lavarny throws out Pena"
No footwork; batter cooperates by leaning forward
"Thole throws out Desmond"
Minimal shuffle footwork (preceded by a tail-on-the-ground stance before the pitch)
"Ross throws out Victorino"
Shuffle footwork (preceded by a tail-down runners-on stance)
"Ecarnation steals third, scores"
Virtually no footwork (preceded by a tail-down stance)
"Pena throws out Choo"
Minimal footwork (advance to 19 secs.)
"Perez nabs Izturis"
No footwork
"Molina throws out Santana"
Minimal step with left foot
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