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In watching
warm ups and in particular, throwing warm ups, the main problem I
spotted in players trying to make the team was their throwing
motion. Granted, some of the players had been taught the correct
form for throwing the ball, but a lot had absolutely horrid form.
Here are a few drills to fine tune your throwing form.
The bringing
back of the throwing hand is done is a graceful, arching movement.
The hand swings back and up, with the ball facing backward at the
top of the arch. This can be practiced by having someone standing
about 5 feet directly behind you. Take a ball and from the hand in
glove position (as if the ball were just fielded) separate the
hands with the ball hand swinging first down, then back and up
until you throwing arm bicep is parallel with the ground and you
have a 90 degree angle with you forearm pointing up and the ball
facing backwards. Looking at this motion from the third base side
(right handed thrower) the ball hand starts at 9:00 O"clock,
swings down to 6:00 o'clock then up to 12:00 o"clock. If you
release the ball at about 3:00 o"clock (for the drill) and
your form is correct, the ball should be easily caught by the
person standing behind you. If the ball goes to the left or right
of the catcher, you are not using a proper path for your arm.
Practice this drill until you have the proper arm motion, then,
instead of releasing the ball, go into your throwing motion,
striding with your lead foot and following through.
If you need
additional work on this motion, try the load and go drill. Stand
with your weight evenly distributed between both feet and in the
position of already haven taken your stride, with hips facing
towards third base(right handed thrower)Transfer your weight to
the rear foot and lift the front foot off the ground. As you come
forward with the ball in the throwing motion, transfer your weight
back to your lead foot and make a throw.
If you work
on this drill, it will improve your accuracy and distance.
This tip was
contributed by Coach Mike. |