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.

1. Teaching 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.
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2. 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.
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