Baseball throwing is generally agreed upon as the paramount skill in baseball. Players must be able to throw with accuracy on the baseball diamond if their team is to succeed. On defense, good throws lead to outs, outs lead to quick innings, and quick innings lead to wins.

Developing and maintaining control of baseball throws is then of utmost importance to any baseball player, young or old.

The following information on [baseball throwing], called 'throwing to the circle', will help baseball players develop accuracy and control in their throws. This baseball throwing drill is especially effective if used on a regular baseball.

For a baseball throw to be considered accurate on the field it must be within one step-and-a-reach of the player the throw is intended for. This type of throw allows the player catching the ball a chance to make a play. Throws that are in the chest area of the receiving player are generally considered "perfect" because that is the easiest place for a player to catch a thrown baseball.

This baseball throwing drill is best utilized during a warm-up phase of baseball practice but can be also be used in the backyard. A word of caution here, this game can get quite competitive between two players who are good throwers.

This is how the drill works. Draw an imaginary circle from the player's cap to his shoulder, down to his belt buckle, up to his opposite shoulder, and finish back at the cap. This is not a perfect circle, but any throw that is within that area is considered an outstanding throw on the baseball field. This circle is the key to the game.

Start the game by having the players at any appropriate distance apart for their age and ability level. As players get older or progress their throwing skills they can spread apart more. When a player is the receiver he must have both hands out in front of this chest to catch the baseball. The thrower is instructed not to throw the ball unless the receiver is in this position. Any throw that gets to the receiving player without him having to move his hands is awarded +3 points. Any throw that is not perfect in the center, but within the imaginary circle, is awarded +2 points. Any throw outside of the circle is given a -1 (use zero if the players can’t add and subtract very well). Players alternate throws and the first player to a total of 21 points wins. Make sure players don't move their body when receiving the ball to influence the score.

Throwing to the circle is a fun, competitive, and developmental [baseball throwing] game that if done on a regular basis will have a positive impact on a player's baseball throwing accuracy.