Throwing a Baseball

Proper throwing techniques are extremely important and very often neglected. Developing a sound and healthy arm depends on the right throwing mechanics. The basic grip is the four-seam grip--- the top fingers should be positioned perpendicular to the horse shoe formation of the seams. All field positions, infield, outfield and catcher, should be using the four-seam grip. Accuracy and true ball flight without movement depend on the four-seam grip. The pitcher does utilize the grip but also varies the grip to create more movement on the ball. The two-seam grip--- holding the ball along the two seams--- promotes lateral ball movement and makes it more difficult to throw a straight ball. He also uses other grips to create other movement on the ball such as the curve ball grip and the change-up grip.

Once the ball is gripped properly, the next step is to take it out of the glove in a circular motion with the hand remaining on top of the ball. When taking it out, the thumb turns down to the ground to ensure that the hand is on top of the ball. Otherwise, taking it out of the glove and pointing the thumb to the sky will cause the hand to be under the ball when throwing causing a lack of velocity and possible injury to the arm. It is also important keep the front side of the body closed, pointing the lead elbow to the target. This will help to ensure that the body will aid the arm in throwing instead of throwing with all arm causing injury to the arm. Utilizing the body to help the arm will definitely increase the velocity of the throw.

Young players, little leaguers and lower, are too often seen taken the ball directly back out of the glove with the thumb pointing to the sky. This causes them to be under the ball when the ball is thrown and not on top of it. This is a bad habit to start with and will definitely hinder proper throwing development. Breaking an improper throwing habit is difficult to change later on. What an advantage a young player has if he is taught properly in the beginning of his development. It is well worth the time to set up drills to stress the proper removal of the ball from the glove. Teaching now is far better than un-teaching later !

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