Throwing a Baseball

#1 THROWING THE BALL:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

You have all probably seen a pitcher throwing with a man on base. That image is what you want to start with:

1. Start with your player facing the target as if he/she was using a bow and arrow.

    

2. Hold the ball in the glove with the free hand and have the glove around belt level.

    

3. In a downward, looping, circular motion , washing the windows, bring the throwing arm back up where the elbow is at shoulder height (see figure 3)

    

4. At this point the lower arm should be up (not quite 90 degrees) knuckles should be at the top of the grip on the ball and theback of the hand should be facing the back of the head. Wave good bye.

    

5. The glove hand should also move in a downward, looping, circular motion and the arm straighten out facing the target at the same time.

    

6. Look down the glove hand arm at the target for aim.

    

7. Make the throw. The throwing motion should result with the arm coming forward. The hand will automatically wind up behind the ball as the arm passes the head.

    

8. In order to throw, your player will have to shift his body toward the target. This will result in hip and his right foot (for right handers) coming forward as well. This is hardest part to coordinate the step forward with the throw but it is natural over time and repetition.

    

9. To help this motion, have him pull the glove hand down and back at the same time.

    

10. Make sure the throwing arm comes all the way through and he shakes it out at the end. There should be a figure 6 showing that. (This doesnt affect our younger players but most injuries occur because a player will stop the motion at release which is a violent strain on the arm). So, good habit to learn now.

     

11. Should wind up facing target like figure 5.

     

*Figures below:  I prefer to have the left arm and glove facing the target at the beginning stage for 5-6 year olds. Also start from the bow & arrow position instead of figure 1.

Use a full length mirror (10 minutes before bed time) for throwing and hitting mechanics.

At the mirror:

      Player should have feet shoulder distance apart with shoulder facing mirror

      Leave space so he/she can wash the windows.

      Wash the windows a few times

      Now do 2-6 WITHOUT THE BALL. Player should be looking out his glove-hand arm, his head should be looking over that shoulder AND he should not be able to see his throwing arm as it is hidden behind his head.

      Make sure he waves goodby with the knuckles facing the back of his head.

      Follow thru with the throw and wind up facing the mirror and looking for the ground ball coming back.

NOW TAKE IT OUT TO THE BACKYARD AFTER HOMEWORK IS DONE AND

PLAY CATCH FROM ABOUT 10 FEET AWAY. ROLL THE BALL BACK.

See: #2 Catching the ground ball.