The game of baseball involves three basic concepts: Hitting, catching and throwing. All are important in their own ways, however, if you can't throw, you can't get any one out... and if you can't get any one out then you can't win. Throwing is a key part to the game, so make sure you are doing it right, or if you've never done it before, check this out!
THE GRIP Although throwing a baseball may seem like a simple task at first, it is harder than one would expect. Throwing a baseball involves using your entire body in order to get the ball to your target. Throwing starts with how you hold the baseball. When throwing a baseball it is very important to hold the ball across the seams of the baseball, and to hold it with your fingers and not in your palm (both pictured to the right). Holding the ball across the seams will ensure that the ball will travel in the air longer and it will also be more accurate. Keeping the ball out of your palm will help you get more velocity on your throws. |
UPPER and LOWER BODY
Your upper body is key to the direction that your ball will travel. Place your front shoulder pointing towards your target. This will allow balance and also allow the rest of your body to line up with your target. With your front shoulder facing the target, your front foot should also be pointing to where you want the ball to be thrown. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart so you aren't throwing off your back foot. Throwing off your back foot will cause you to put a lot of stress on your arm and also cause a weak, less accurate throw.(Top) |
THE THROW When your body is all lined up, the actual throwing can now occur. keep your foot pointed to the target and release the ball using an over hand throwing motion toward your target. Use your entire body to make this throw to ensure maximum power. Step toward the target with your front foot and push off of your back foot. Follow through bringing your entire body toward your target. Reach for you target player's glove with your throwing hand to ensure follow through. By doing all of these things, you will ensure a quality baseball throw.
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For more instruction on the game of baseball, check out these great sites:
THINK YOU KNOW IT ALL??? TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH THIS QUIZ
This page was last modified by on April 16, 2008 by Joe DeVellis
