A beginner's guide to throwing a ball

Are you having a hard time throwing the ball? It might be because of your grip or arm angle. Or maybe it's just because you're not following through with your throw! Regardless, there are some easy steps that will help improve your throwing game. In this blog post we'll discuss how to find the perfect throw and how to do it properly.

Is there a wrong way to throw a ball?

It is important to discuss the mistakes in throwing before we talk about the proper way to throw.

The four most common errors that people make when they are throwing a ball are grip, wrong leg forward, arm angle and follow through. These pillars of throwing should be analyzed before you try any new technique for throwing. One mistake, which can easily occur with some beginner throwers, is developing pour throwing habits without correction.

The wrong grip

Let's talk about the grip. A lot of beginners hold it like they are going to peel the ball like an orange with the thumb on one side of the ball and the four fingers on the other. This holding position does not allow a ball to spin properly, the release changes direction because of how the ball rolls off the fingers and the thrower has less control.

The wrong footing

The next mistake made is the putting the wrong foot forward. If a person is left handed, the motion the body would use to get the best momentum is to put the right foot forward when throwing a ball.

The wrong arm angle

Another mistake is the angle of the arm when throwing. There are some major league pitchers that throw with a side arm motion. This is rare and dangerous without proper training. Seriously, this motion can tear ligaments and muscles in the arm. The proper angle is over the shoulder in an arc cradle (elbow rotates in an arc while hand cradles the ball).

The Wrong Follow Through

The final mistake is not following through with the throw. Too many times I have seen beginners rotate their arm down to the side of their throwing arm. So much power is lost in a throw when this is done. When the arm is brought across the chest, the body's natural momentum helps propel the ball.

Learn the Right way

Well, you made it this far so now it is time to talk about how to throw a ball the right way. The first thing I would recommend doing is understanding which mechanics are most important for accuracy and consistency. For example, putting the correct foot forward when throwing and learning to find a target. Let's discuss the basics three steps to the right throw.

Throwing the ball - part 1 - Find Your Target

First, find the direction and target. There are three steps to throwing a baseball: first look in the direction you want your arm to go in order to get the ball where it needs to be. Secondly, choose a target (it's important that you know what spot on the field you're aiming at) thirdly, bring your arm back in an L.

Throwing the ball - part 2 - The Big Step

Next, step forward with the foot opposite your throwing hand. This will provide you with power and balance so that it becomes easier to throw the ball hard and accurately.

Throwing the ball - part 3 - Follow Through

-Lastly, follow through across your body over the opposite leg from your throwing arm while maintaining eye contact on your target. Make sure not to stop after you release because this can cause poor throws and damage to your arm.

An Example of a perfect throw

I am right handed so when I throw, I would do the following. Find my target, bring my right arm back to an L with the ball between my thumb, pointer and middle finger with my ring finger pressing the side of the ball into my thumb and other two fingers. This is a three point pinch. Raising my left leg I would step forward as I bring my arm forward. Still watching my target, I release the ball at the point where I would point my finger at the target. However, do not stop the throwing motion. I would bring my arm across my left leg and raise my right foot slightly to slow the power from the throw.

Wrap up this game

Now that we have discussed the improper ways to throw, the proper technique for a beginner and explained the throw, there is one more thing we need to discuss and that is warm up!

Don't forget the seventh inning stretch

Anytime a game is played, stretch the important muscles that are going to be used. When throwing, start with soft throws and work into something harder. Sudden fast throws to muscles can damage them. Always stretch and exercise before you get into the real game and don’t over do it. People who “used to play” can really damage their body’s if they try to jump into the glory days from the couch days.

Now that you have the basics, get out and play ball!