Things You'll Need:
- Baseball
-
Step 1
Flip Drill---
Many youth players have a hard time throwing the ball "straight".
They cut the ball (twist their wrists as they throw) and in turn the
ball curves. Essentially they are throwing curveballs on EVERY
throw they make! This is a very serious problem that should be
addressed very quickly. If the player is turning their wrists and
cutting the ball on most pitches (by mistake) they are putting ALOT
of stress on their arms. Essentially it is like throwing dozens of
curveballs everyday, without intending to.
I usually relate it to "shooting a free throw" in basketball. The
ball should roll off of the finger tips in that manner.
ADDITIONAL DRILL: Have the youth player practice by setting up an
empty bucket and having them ark the ball into the bucket. If the
player turns his fingers the ball will spin and deviate away form
the bucket (line the bucket up directly in front of his throwing arm).
Continue to emphasis the "shooting a free throw" mentality. -
Step 2
Working on correct ball rotation
1) Show the player the correct 4-seam grip. To find this I
usually tell the younger player to find the "U" looking shape or the
"horseshoe" and rest their two fingers across the seams. If the
player is very young, have them throw the ball with three fingers to
gain a better feel for the ball.
2) Have the player place his glove slightly below his face, while
facing directly in front of their partner.
3) Have the player rest his throwing elbow inside the glove and
have both of his throwing fingers facing forward so that the ball is
facing the partner.
4) Have the player keep his wrist straight and go straight down
with his wrist without turning it, in any direction. The ball should
roll off of his two fingers without any turns. -
Step 3
ADDITIONAL DRILL: Have the youth player practice by setting up an
empty bucket and having them ark the ball into the bucket. If the
player turns his fingers the ball will spin and deviate away form
the bucket (line the bucket up directly in front of his throwing arm).
Continue to emphasis the "shooting a free throw" mentality.
