Colton Gravelin

When throwing to second base, focus on staying low and maintaining an athletic stance throughout the play. Anticipate the throw as the pitch comes in, so you’re ready to execute quickly and efficiently. Work on transferring the ball higher—bring your glove directly from the catch to a position near your back shoulder before moving into the throwing motion. This high and compact transfer will save time and create a more direct path for your throw.
Pay close attention to your footwork. Your jab step should be no more than six inches to keep your movements compact and explosive. A long jab step can slow down your transfer and throw, so keeping it short and precise is crucial. Additionally, ensure you’re finishing your extension fully toward second base. This will improve the accuracy and carry of your throw.
Finally, after your follow-through, walk through your throw to reinforce proper momentum and alignment. This will help you stay balanced and in control while maximizing the effectiveness of your throw. Keep practicing these adjustments, and you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your quickness and consistency when throwing to second base. Great work so far—keep building on it!

Nice job with your receiving! You’re showing good fundamentals and focus. One area to refine is your ability to anticipate the ball and bring your hand down smoothly as the pitch comes in. By staying patient and waiting for the ball to enter your glove, you’ll improve your timing and control.
Work on getting through the baseball as you receive it, allowing your glove to move fluidly with the pitch rather than just catching it statically. This movement helps frame the ball effectively and provides a better presentation for the umpire. Focus on presenting the ball parallel to the ground at the moment of reception to create a clean and consistent look for every pitch.
Incorporate drills that emphasize smooth hand movements and framing technique, such as catching off a machine or practicing with a partner throwing different pitch locations. These adjustments will help you become even more consistent and reliable behind the plate. Great work—keep it up!

Great job with your blocking—you’re doing an excellent job getting into position and controlling the ball. One key detail to focus on is exhaling as you receive the ball. This will help you stay relaxed and maintain control during the block, ensuring you remain balanced and in the best position to react to the next play.
Also, make sure your throwing hand stays securely behind your glove when blocking. Keeping it protected reduces the risk of injury and ensures it’s ready for a quick transition if needed. Beyond that, your timing looked spot-on, and your overall mechanics were very solid. Keep building on these strong fundamentals, and you’ll continue to excel behind the plate. Great work!