By
eHow Sports & Fitness Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Softball Cleats
- Softball Fielding Gloves
- Softballs
Overhand
Step1
Know that the overhand throw is both easier and more accurate.
Step2
Grip the ball with your fingertips, using hardly any of your palm. Use either two or three fingers and your thumb to hold the ball, folding the others in toward your palm.
Step3
Turn your head toward your target.
Step4
Rotate your body sideways, extending your glove toward the target for balance.
Step5
Pull the ball back.
Step6
Throw - your arm goes up and out to your target, your wrist snapping just as the ball is released. Your thumb comes off the ball first, and then your fingertips do.
Step7
Follow through by moving your arm out and down across your body.
Sidearm
Step1
Use the sidearm throw if the distance of the throw is shorter or you don't have time to straighten up before throwing. This is a much faster throw.
Step2
Place your weight on your rear foot, your upper body slightly rotated and flexed forward.
Step3
Bend the elbow of your throwing arm, keeping it higher than your wrist, and bring it back between your waist and shoulder.
Step4
Cock your wrist with the back of your hand facing up. As your weight transfers forward, your upper body rotates toward the side opposite your throwing arm.
Step5
Bring your arm around to your side - almost parallel to the ground.
Step6
Rotate your forearm, snap your wrist and release the ball with your arm following through.
Comments
sc8erboy said
on 1/20/2007 I found out that if you throw overhand it will go farther if you throw it high and hard, but not to high.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 Sometimes we throw from different angles, distances, positions, etc. Remember, make sure your catcher/partner is looking. Throw to your partner, not at them. Hold the ball high and away from your body. Your fingers should point toward the target at the release point. And follow through toward the ground. Remember; accuracy is more important than speed!
Anonymous said
on 6/30/2006 Make sure when you throw the ball that you throw the ball, so you don't hurt yourself. Throw correctly or get some practice from an adult or experienced pitcher.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Use a heavy object to practice throwing. This will target the exact muscles used in your throw.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 When the term over the top is used, that should mean your hand perpendicular to the ground, fingers straight up. Whether your arm motion is 3/4 or straight up, the over the top hand will lessen the tendency of the throw to slice, due to top or bottom rotation on the ball as it is released. This is especially important for longer throws, for instance from the outfield to the infield or across the diamond.