Throwing feedback

Amy in AZ. said:

Yes. If I get a chance, I will look for the info that we have discussed on here about that. We sometimes look at videos of Coach Candrea teaching it the way you do, and then, his players don't do it. Also, the founder of this site (if I recall) says that facing the ball backwards, isn't necessary.

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One thing I have noticed is that many former HS or college players who coach in rec say the ball should be facing the target. As I have said before, though, most of the ones I know do not necessarily believe in the concept of continuing education. Whatever they learned 30 years ago is exactly what they feel should be taught today. What they do not take into consideration is that they themselves may have been strong throwers naturally, while the average beginning rec player most likely is not a strong natural thrower.

The coach who taught me how to TEACH young rec players to throw was on the U.S. National Team and gave to me the same skills training we see with Coach Candrea.

Once a player is more advanced, then it becomes a matter of preferred style. Of course there's more than one way to skin a cat, but for teaching those less experienced players, I think that having the ball facing away from the target helps them to develop more of a whip in the wrist at the point of release. When those same players are taught to have the ball face the target, too many will have a tendency to cup the ball which leads to very poor technique during the rest of the motion.

So, I'm not saying it's necessary, but I am agreeing with Coach Candrea that this is a better way to help those naturally weaker throwers to develop a very good overhand throw.

@Perfect Circle - Thanks for the clip.

@mcastles - I had seen Tewks' clip before. While I can deal with the "ball behind the head position", the opening of the stance part of that drill is tough for me to swallow. I'm not sure if that's just part of the drill or if he promotes opening up like that all the time.

Momo'sDad said:

... Once a player is more advanced, then it becomes a matter of preferred style. ...

So, I'm not saying it's necessary, but I am agreeing with Coach Candrea that this is a better way to help those naturally weaker throwers to develop a very good overhand throw.

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This is my perspective also, Momo'sDad ... well, for the moment anyway.

Who in their right mind would be out in the driveway with that much snow on
the ground...... lifting weights???? Some people are just crazy lol!!

Am I really the first one that noticed that???

roscoe545 said:

Who in their right mind would be out in the driveway with that much snow on
the ground...... lifting weights???? Some people are just crazy lol!!

Am I really the first one that noticed that???

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MUST be a "hot babe" in the hood!

roscoe545 said:

Who in their right mind would be out in the driveway with that much snow on
the ground...... lifting weights???? Some people are just crazy lol!!

Am I really the first one that noticed that???

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Ha! I was wondering who was going to spot him first. You win the prize.

Lifting weights in the snow is totally nuts. The softball player, on the other hand ... that's just dedication!

roscoe545 said:

Who in their right mind would be out in the driveway with that much snow on
the ground...... lifting weights???? Some people are just crazy lol!!

Am I really the first one that noticed that???

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hahahaha.....Now THAT's FUNNY...I don't care who you are!

I'd like to see her becoming more active in making the ready, judge, catch and throw a continuous and connected motion. Currently, she stands patiently waiting for the throw. She puts her glove out to catch the ball, fiddles around then throws the ball.

Try getting "down and ready" as you begin your motion to throw to her, just like she would do in a game. When she's judged where the ball is going, she would move to get her body into a position to catch the ball around the glove side third of her body. As she catches, she can be moving into a bladed position to throw. I like to think "Tap, tap tap." That's the sound of the ball hitting the glove, the throwing arm side foot planting, and the glove side foot planting. The third tap triggers the throw. Ideally, the body should be in motion to blade as the ball is caught with the ball hand and glove moving to below the ear and in front of the throwing arm shoulder. The hands separate as the rear foot plants and the throw is triggered by the front foot plant.

KenB said:

As she catches, she can be moving into a bladed position to throw.

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Thanks Ken. Can you give more details or pics of what you mean by the bladed position?

Bladed is shoulders in line with the target and I think it should be a focus point, not necessarily a fixed position. Our bodies generally go through closed, open (bladed) and back to closed when throwing. I hate to say catch, turn and get bladed, then throw. Too mechanical for me. It can be demonstrated in segments, but it is a flow. Watch the examples in the below video to see the motion is fluid, but everyone goes through the bladed "position."

Out in Left Field said:

Don't point the ball backward. Causes a lot of unnecessary drills. The reason kids can do it is they are super flexible. Lose a lot of power that way in the long run.
Even the bow and arrow approach, which is one I like for others beyond catcher, can have the ball pointed to third if the player turns the body correctly.

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I use the gun site. The crease in the elbow is the site, when changing ball to glove at ear... then point the glove at target, until release, then pulling glove back to tuck under armpit...