Fixing the overhand throw

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May 7, 2008
8,506
48
Tucson
I am a stickler for correct throwing. One of my new students just couldn’t get it right. I had recently been through this, with a 9 yo boy. I tried patiently demonstrating, coaching and using gadgets.
So, with this girl, I assigned her friend to keep encouraging her to get her arm up and not push the ball.
One day, I had my player reach up and try to swat a rag hanging from a pole, as she threw. It was somewhat successful. But, then, I thought - try throwing over the pole. Success. She still has a ways to go, but her throw is so much better.

https://youtu.be/NrRBXoQR7pg
 
Last edited:
Aug 5, 2015
85
8
Why is she throwing right in front of a net - she'll smack her hand if she follows through properly.
 
May 7, 2008
8,506
48
Tucson
She could be throwing over anything. She was insistant on keeping her elbow at her side, and nothing seemed to change her muscle memory.
We are no where near working on follow through. But, her distance increased from 40 feet to 65, in one lesson.
I had the bounce back there and it's height is adjustable. So, that was what I used. I am thinking of using a badminton net, if this drill happens to work out.
 

NBECoach

Learning everyday
Aug 9, 2018
408
63
I would suggest the following progression. Wrist snap only at a short distance. Once the release is good move to one knee down at 45 degrees from partner. Throwing arm extended back with hand facing the ball away. Glove hand pointing towards the target. Begin the throw and insist they touch the ground with the follow through over the upright knee. Once that is acceptable have them stand in a sideways T and throw. From there start out facing the target. and do the proper footwork, throw and follow through. Make sure the glove side helps them. Many girls let the glove hand do nothing other than point to the ground.

View attachment 13142
 
Dec 10, 2015
845
63
Chautauqua County
Amy, very creative. Thanks for sharing.

Folks, read and comprehend to understand, not to respond.

exactly. push type throwing is way too common and extremely dificult to change. I like this idea and I'll like any idea that works to solve this issue. For me, I just had the player throw a ball as far as she could and repeat. it works but old habits die hard.
 
Aug 30, 2015
286
28
I would suggest the following progression. Wrist snap only at a short distance. Once the release is good move to one knee down at 45 degrees from partner. Throwing arm extended back with hand facing the ball away. Glove hand pointing towards the target. Begin the throw and insist they touch the ground with the follow through over the upright knee. Once that is acceptable have them stand in a sideways T and throw. From there start out facing the target. and do the proper footwork, throw and follow through. Make sure the glove side helps them. Many girls let the glove hand do nothing other than point to the ground.

View attachment 13142

Hmm, I respectfully disagree--reinforcing all the wrong throwing patterns.

https://www.highlevelthrowing.com/
 
Last edited:
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
I would suggest the following progression. Wrist snap only at a short distance. Once the release is good move to one knee down at 45 degrees from partner. Throwing arm extended back with hand facing the ball away. Glove hand pointing towards the target. Begin the throw and insist they touch the ground with the follow through over the upright knee. Once that is acceptable have them stand in a sideways T and throw. From there start out facing the target. and do the proper footwork, throw and follow through. Make sure the glove side helps them. Many girls let the glove hand do nothing other than point to the ground.

View attachment 13142

Bold above ... why?
 

NBECoach

Learning everyday
Aug 9, 2018
408
63

4Kidsdad, I guess we will have to respectfully agree to disagree. I have seen multiple lower level minor league players being instructed on throwing during spring training. Without going through each step suffice it to say the progression is pretty much what they did. Yes I know softball can be different because of the compressed field and slapping, etc. We do modify some drills to address those situations, but for the routine outs we have them use the progression. I believe in the glove hand helping the throwing side and the legs helping the arm.
 

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