"The most important coach in a baseball player's career is his youth league coach."
- Dick Birmingham, Hall of Fame Baseball Coach
Click here to learn more about the Baseball Drill Book...
Baseball Drills for Baseball Coaches
- Dick Birmingham, Hall of Fame Baseball Coach
Click here to learn more about the Baseball Drill Book...
The Importance of Throwing in Baseball
Throwing is the single most important physical skill in baseball. If a player can’t throw a baseball accurately and with enough force to reach the intended target then he better be able to hit the ball out of the park on command. And since these players aren’t very common, baseball throwing skill becomes of the utmost importance for success on the diamond.
When teaching throwing to young baseball players, most coaches start with the grip. As a position player (non-pitcher) it is recommended that young players learn how to throw a baseball with a four-seam grip. Throwing with this grip is advantageous because the ball tends to stay truer in flight and carry longer than with other baseball grips.
As players get older they should be using the index and middle fingers as pressure points on the ball, but as younger players, or those with smaller hands, adding the ring finger to the top of the ball is acceptable for control and balance. The ring and pinky fingers should rest on the side of the ball in a flexed position. As players get older and their baseball throwing skills mature they should use a close, or narrow, two-finger grip across the wide seams making sure that the finger pads--not the tips--are in contact with the seam of the baseball. This grip will promote tighter spin of the baseball when released thus promoting accuracy and carry.
A common mistake players make as they get older is to get the index and middle fingers spread too far apart on the ball. This may help control in the short term but will hamper spin and velocity. A proper distance between the two fingers should be no more than ¼ of an inch apart.
The thumb should be placed directly underneath the index and middle finger on the opposite side of the ball. This may feel uncomfortable at first for younger players and older players with smaller hands. In this case, the thumb can be slightly to the side of the ball for better balance in the hand but emphasis should always be placed on slowly and gradually moving the thumb to a position more underneath the ball. Again, this position helps with spin and velocity in the baseball throw.
Care should be taken not to position the ball too deep in the hand. The index and middle fingers and the thumb should be the primary supports for the baseball. This may not always be possible for younger and smaller players, but should be taught regardless so that they are aware of the proper technique as they physically mature and are capable of doing it right.
Always remember that throwing a baseball is a skill. And like any skill, it can be developed and improved with quality repetition and practice. Games and friendly competitions that involve throwing always add the fun factor to the equation and we all know that we learn better when we are having fun. Have young players throw baseballs at targets or have them throw for distance to help them improve the most important skill in baseball.
When teaching throwing to young baseball players, most coaches start with the grip. As a position player (non-pitcher) it is recommended that young players learn how to throw a baseball with a four-seam grip. Throwing with this grip is advantageous because the ball tends to stay truer in flight and carry longer than with other baseball grips.
As players get older they should be using the index and middle fingers as pressure points on the ball, but as younger players, or those with smaller hands, adding the ring finger to the top of the ball is acceptable for control and balance. The ring and pinky fingers should rest on the side of the ball in a flexed position. As players get older and their baseball throwing skills mature they should use a close, or narrow, two-finger grip across the wide seams making sure that the finger pads--not the tips--are in contact with the seam of the baseball. This grip will promote tighter spin of the baseball when released thus promoting accuracy and carry.
A common mistake players make as they get older is to get the index and middle fingers spread too far apart on the ball. This may help control in the short term but will hamper spin and velocity. A proper distance between the two fingers should be no more than ¼ of an inch apart.
The thumb should be placed directly underneath the index and middle finger on the opposite side of the ball. This may feel uncomfortable at first for younger players and older players with smaller hands. In this case, the thumb can be slightly to the side of the ball for better balance in the hand but emphasis should always be placed on slowly and gradually moving the thumb to a position more underneath the ball. Again, this position helps with spin and velocity in the baseball throw.
Care should be taken not to position the ball too deep in the hand. The index and middle fingers and the thumb should be the primary supports for the baseball. This may not always be possible for younger and smaller players, but should be taught regardless so that they are aware of the proper technique as they physically mature and are capable of doing it right.
Always remember that throwing a baseball is a skill. And like any skill, it can be developed and improved with quality repetition and practice. Games and friendly competitions that involve throwing always add the fun factor to the equation and we all know that we learn better when we are having fun. Have young players throw baseballs at targets or have them throw for distance to help them improve the most important skill in baseball.
Baseball Throwing Instruction
Baseball throwing tips, drills, techniques, and other information to help you make better throws on the diamond.
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Baseball Fielding Instruction
Baseball fielding tips, drills, techniques, and other information to help make you a better fielder.
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How to Teach Throwing to Baseball Players
In the game of baseball correct throwing mechanics are of the utmost importance. If a player can’t throw with accuracy he does his team little good out in the field. Players must constantly strive to perfect their throwing mechanics. Few players take the time necessary to become really good throwers. Great pride should be taken when a player can consistently throw to a target.
Key Points in Throwing
The Grip
Many young players grip the ball with their fingers too wide apart. This affects accuracy severely reduces velocity of the throw. The fingers should be about ¼ inch apart (about the width of a yellow #2 pencil). The index and middle finger should lay across the wide seams of the ball. This grip is also known as a 4-seam fastball. The pads of the index and middle finger sit on the seam of the ball. If you think of the ball as a clock, the index and middle fingers should rest on either side of 12 o’clock and the thumb would rest straight underneath the ball at 6 o’clock. There should be "daylight" between the ball and palm of the throwing hand. This is the best grip for achieving straight backspin and avoiding any "tailing" of the ball.
Arm Action
Arm action refers to the path the throwing arm travels from hand separation to release-point and follow-through. Baseball throwers must concentrate on breaking the hands and making a big sweeping motion with the arm in order to stay long with the arm going back to a good power position. Power position refers to the position where the player has the throwing arm back, level with the shoulder or higher, and bent at the elbow. The throwing-hand index and middle fingers should be point up forming a "V". The back of the throwing hand should face the thrower while the palm of the throwing hand should face away from the thrower. Practicing a good power position is essential in becoming a good thrower. The front shoulder should always point at the target and stay closed. As the player turns to throw, the glove-side elbow should be as high or higher than the throwing-side shoulder. The throwing fingers must stay pointing up through release to get good straight backspin. When throwing with a partner, young players should imagine painting a vertical line with their throwing hand from the letters on their partner’s hat to their partner’s belt buckle.
Throwing To The Circle
Baseball players should always practice throwing on a downward plane to their target. When throwing with a partner, the player should focus on throwing down into "the circle". The circle is an area from the partner’s hat, right shoulder, belt buckle, and left shoulder. A player who can throw down into the circle consistently is a good thrower.
Note: A player receiving a ball should always have both hands in front of the chest with fingers pointing out and up. This makes a great target in the center of the circle.
Staying On Line
Throwers should imagine a line running from their pivot foot straight through their target. As they throw, they should separate their arms on the imaginary line being careful not to let the throwing arm pass behind the line. The stride should also be on the line. Any variation from the line will decrease accuracy. As the player releases the ball he should concentrate on keeping his body on the line. Many players spin off the line when they throw instead of following-through toward their target.
Note: The chin MUST point toward the target. Where the chin faces the eyes will face and the body will follow.
Squaring the Pivot Foot
The pivot foot (throwing hand-side) needs to be "square" to the target. If the player starts by facing the target when throwing the pivot foot should be opened 90 degrees toward the target to allow for the closing of the front side (hips and shoulders). Failure to do this can result in poor accuracy and velocity. Many young players do not turn their pivot foot a full 90 degrees to their target. Squaring the pivot foot should be emphasized to all players to ensure correct throwing mechanics.
It has been said many time that baseball is a game of catch, and the team that plays catch the best will usually win. As a baseball coach, teach your players the proper fundamentals of throwing and you will win more games and develop your players.
More Baseball Throwing Tips...
Key Points in Throwing
The Grip
Many young players grip the ball with their fingers too wide apart. This affects accuracy severely reduces velocity of the throw. The fingers should be about ¼ inch apart (about the width of a yellow #2 pencil). The index and middle finger should lay across the wide seams of the ball. This grip is also known as a 4-seam fastball. The pads of the index and middle finger sit on the seam of the ball. If you think of the ball as a clock, the index and middle fingers should rest on either side of 12 o’clock and the thumb would rest straight underneath the ball at 6 o’clock. There should be "daylight" between the ball and palm of the throwing hand. This is the best grip for achieving straight backspin and avoiding any "tailing" of the ball.
Arm Action
Arm action refers to the path the throwing arm travels from hand separation to release-point and follow-through. Baseball throwers must concentrate on breaking the hands and making a big sweeping motion with the arm in order to stay long with the arm going back to a good power position. Power position refers to the position where the player has the throwing arm back, level with the shoulder or higher, and bent at the elbow. The throwing-hand index and middle fingers should be point up forming a "V". The back of the throwing hand should face the thrower while the palm of the throwing hand should face away from the thrower. Practicing a good power position is essential in becoming a good thrower. The front shoulder should always point at the target and stay closed. As the player turns to throw, the glove-side elbow should be as high or higher than the throwing-side shoulder. The throwing fingers must stay pointing up through release to get good straight backspin. When throwing with a partner, young players should imagine painting a vertical line with their throwing hand from the letters on their partner’s hat to their partner’s belt buckle.
Throwing To The Circle
Baseball players should always practice throwing on a downward plane to their target. When throwing with a partner, the player should focus on throwing down into "the circle". The circle is an area from the partner’s hat, right shoulder, belt buckle, and left shoulder. A player who can throw down into the circle consistently is a good thrower.
Note: A player receiving a ball should always have both hands in front of the chest with fingers pointing out and up. This makes a great target in the center of the circle.
Staying On Line
Throwers should imagine a line running from their pivot foot straight through their target. As they throw, they should separate their arms on the imaginary line being careful not to let the throwing arm pass behind the line. The stride should also be on the line. Any variation from the line will decrease accuracy. As the player releases the ball he should concentrate on keeping his body on the line. Many players spin off the line when they throw instead of following-through toward their target.
Note: The chin MUST point toward the target. Where the chin faces the eyes will face and the body will follow.
Squaring the Pivot Foot
The pivot foot (throwing hand-side) needs to be "square" to the target. If the player starts by facing the target when throwing the pivot foot should be opened 90 degrees toward the target to allow for the closing of the front side (hips and shoulders). Failure to do this can result in poor accuracy and velocity. Many young players do not turn their pivot foot a full 90 degrees to their target. Squaring the pivot foot should be emphasized to all players to ensure correct throwing mechanics.
It has been said many time that baseball is a game of catch, and the team that plays catch the best will usually win. As a baseball coach, teach your players the proper fundamentals of throwing and you will win more games and develop your players.
More Baseball Throwing Tips...
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