On the 19th, the Orix Buffaloes fielder group engaged in a unique special training session to improve their throw during autumn practice. At the club facility in Maishima, Osaka, two protective nets were placed about two meters apart. The infielder and outfielder players repeatedly practiced passing their throws through the gap, simulating return throws and throwing home from a forward defense position.

This season, throw disruptions have led to runs, and the coaching staff proposed this after discussion. Battery coach Yamazaki and the wall manager revealed his intention: "We need to improve accuracy in situations where the second base runner needs to be out. This allows us to tackle it more concretely." Although this was the team's first attempt, in 2022, Nippon-Ham Manager Shinjo implemented a similar strategy by hanging a hula hoop and passing through the throw. Ota, who participated that day, nodded, saying, "The throw lines (the left and right) lines are important. They were easy to target."

Based on the fact that the team's ERA finished at a league-worst 3.96, Manager Kishida emphasized, "How to prevent runners from advancing is a fundamental point." Moving forward, he plans to introduce training such as drawing circular markers on the ground to develop a sense for one-bounce throws. He aims to build a team that creates rhythm through defense. (Shunta Nambu)