GHS 5-6 Year Old Throwing Program

For Players and Coaches


This program is for 5-6 year old players that are just learning to throw the ball.  The use of the tee and this program is an effective way to teach beginner players proper throwing fundamentals.

Position the player 10-15 feet behind the tee.  Have the player throw 3 sets of 3 dry reps for each of the first four steps, evaluating and correcting after each set. In the final step, the player will perform 3 sets of 4 live throws, again evaluating and correcting after each set.

Step 1 – Place the player in the ready position, standing upright with knees bent and feet shoulder width apart and hands together in front of the their chest.  Align the player’s front shoulder to the yellow marker on the boom.

Set-up Instructions

Set-up instructional video:  Pitching Tee Assembly

For Group Instruction

General Overview

Form the players into groups of 2-4 per tee.  Explain each step and then visually demonstrate it to the group. The coach should be positioned on the opposite side of the tee, giving directions to each player as everyone in the group performs each step with 3-4 dry throws.  On the final step, have each player live throw 4 times rotating through for a total of 3 times.

Players in group settings learn from performing the reps themselves, as well as by watching other players perform them and listening to instruction from the coach.

Detailed Instructions

The program was designed for team use to teach players in groups of 4-8 players.

Place the Pitching Tee 15-20 feet in front of any type of a net style backstop for the throwing distance.  Attach 2-4 inch target towards the center of the net.  Tape any color works well and stays attached.

Adjust the boom height 10-15 inches below the target and adjust the yellow boom marker directly under the target by moving the tee base to be in line.

Position the group behind the Pitching Tee 10-12 feet.

Note: 5 and 6 year olds players can use only the yellow boom marker for their boom alignment as it’s easier for them to understand.

Explain to the players:
  • How the boom and foot markers are used to keep their front shoulder inline with the target
  • How the yellow foot marker guides the players front/lead foot to the target
  • How the player is to align the player’s front/lead shoulder with the yellow boom marker
  • How the eyes/head, during their stride, are not to pass the center line of the yellow marker until the release of the ball while also keeping the back foot toe on the ground until after the release
  • How the term square (that is used throughout the program) is when the players shoulders and feet are inline vertically when the player is in their stance or stride

Explain each step and then visually demonstrate it to the group.

The program consists of 3 dry reps per player as players rotate turns through 3 sets of the steps 1-4. Step 5 consists of 4 live throws per player in 3 sets.

Players learn faster in a group setting as they learn by performing the drills, watching other players perform theirs and taking repeated instructions from the coach.

Note:  More advanced 5-6 year olds can use the 7-12 Year Old Fielding & Throwing Program.

Suggestion:  Have a coach or parent video record the player from behind during step 5 so the player and/or coach can review the throws.