Expert: Jack Elliott - 7/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: isnt the key to getting a strong throw to second is to replace your left foot with your right and get your left out in front to throw off of?

ANSWER: Hi Aaron,

The biggest concern for a catcher is to get a clear throwing lane to throw from.  This will always be priority number one.  Some catchers will actually move up slightly to make the throw to second to avoid the batter.  However, to answer your question directly, yes you are correct.  
The normal position would be the right foot actually moves slightly behind the old position of the left food; however, to avoid right hand batters most catchers will have a slightly moving forward motion which creates the situation you described.

Hope this helps,
Jack Elliott
http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Also isnt the other key to keep your momentum going forward beginning with before you catch the ball?

Answer
Aaron,

I think this depends on what you mean.  Mentally, you are preparing yourself to throw to second once you see the base runner going and physically you are turning your body slightly to receive the ball and you will be up more on the balls of your feet.  If this is what you mean by forward momentum; then, yes I agree.

Best,
Jack Elliott  
http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com