Throwing feedback

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Feb 5, 2013
245
16
Hi everyone,

Not sure if this forum is the correct place for this, but here goes ...

I wanted to get some feedback on my DD's throws. A little information on her, first. She's 11, but I'd call her a "young" eleven ... and quite small at 4'9" and 75 pounds. She's played since she was 8 and made the 10U All-Star team last spring where she started at short stop and also played catcher.

I've got my own thoughts on areas of improvement in her throwing motion, but thought it would be useful for both of us to get feedback from you guys. She is not throwing her hardest here, more of a "game of catch" for the camera.

[video=youtube_share;1nqaOcAwQP8]http://youtu.be/1nqaOcAwQP8[/video]

Appreciate your constructive criticism!
 
May 7, 2008
8,506
48
Tucson
Not bad. Now compare it to yours. She takes a great big step with her right foot, when it should just be a turn. Watch yourself. As you are getting ready to receive the ball, you are getting ready to throw it. No big step, just a turn of the right foot.
 
Feb 5, 2013
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Thanks Amy. I think that's a compensation for her lack of strength at this point, but it will be an issue long term. It already is with her throw downs as a catcher.
 
Jan 25, 2011
2,282
38
She looks good, but agree with Amy, also I might be wrong but I like to she her glove arm pull back towards her chest, rather then letting it swim out.
 
Feb 5, 2013
245
16
She looks good, but agree with Amy, also I might be wrong but I like to she her glove arm pull back towards her chest, rather then letting it swim out.

Thanks, nanotech. I agree, that glove arm isn't as involved as it should be. I'll have to try to find some vids on what to teach with the glove hand.

Any other opinions on the video, everyone?
 
Oct 19, 2009
1,023
38
I'm right here.
Hi....I'm not sure if you are looking for feedback on how to throw in general, or how to throw as a catcher throwing down to 2nd base.

The technique a catcher uses to transfer the ball from the glove to the throwing hand, and into the draw back portion is different than that of the general throwing motion. A catcher will pull the ball out of the glove and straight back, similar to pulling on a bow & arrow or pulling a rubber band)

From a general throwing technique I will say that it appears your daughter is "facing" you through most of the throwing motion; toes pointed straight ahead. Ideally she should have her shoulders pointing/aligned towards her target. The best way to do that is for her to plant her right foot with teh inseam facing her target; basically turn her right foot 90 degrees. When you do this your body will naturally re-align itself up with the feet...resulting with the shoulders facing the target....BUT it all starts with properly setting the right foot. It all happens simlutaneously and naturally too....set the right foot, and while you are drawing the ball down, around, and up your body will naturally and almost subconciously re-aligning itself up with the plant foot, so when you are at the top ready to fire everything is lined up right at your target.

But if she is a catcher, she will not want that big circular motion when she throws down to 2nd base.

The whole body alignment thing is hard to explain, but the brain will naturally try to align your hips, trunk and shoulders directly over your feet. Knowing that means you want the inseam of your right foot facing your intended target for better accuracy; whether it be 1st 2nd or 3rd base on a bunt, or just having a catch during warm ups.

Everyone might not agree with meon this and thats fine, but its a fundamental I was taught and I'm a firm beliver in it all. Experiment with it and see what works for you. Hope this helps.
 
Feb 7, 2013
3,188
48
I would practice from shorter distances so she is throwing hard and straight to the receiver of the ball. She has a rainbow throw right now. As she gets stronger and better technique you can move her back farther.

One thing I noticed is when she is receiving the ball, make sure she uses both hands to make the catch. Right now her right arm is down to her side which does her no good and takes longer to transfer the ball from the glove to the throwing hand. I like that you are spending time with her on the fundamentals.
 
Feb 5, 2013
245
16
@TJ -Thanks for the feedback! As far as the difference between a catcher's throw and a regular throw, we aren't at that point with her quite yet. She doesn't have the arm strength to perform a more "snappy" catcher's throw, but your point is well taken. I agree with you on her back foot, but disagree about her front foot facing her target. I see her front foot landing more sideways then I'd like (in other words, I'd like the toes of her front foot pointing more at me than they currently are, but I'm curious what others feel about that.

@Rockettech1 - Good advice on the distance (although I think it looks farther than it really is). But I think getting closer and having her throw more on a line is a good thought. As far as catching with two hands, we were working on breaking in her new catcher's mitt also, so I actually told her not to catch with two hands with that mitt since she won't be using two hands as a catcher. She actually does a nice job (well, better than her peers) at using two hands when she's got a fielders glove on.

Would love additional opinions, especially as it relates to developing a stronger throw, but all advice is welcome. Appreciate it guys!
 
Feb 3, 2011
1,880
48
Looks good. I love her follow-through, but not the big wind-up. It's my opinion that developing a proper follow-through is far more difficult and important than developing a short, quick wind-up, so I would say she is ahead of the curve.
 
May 7, 2008
8,506
48
Tucson
Have you remembered to show her a 4 seam grip and tell her that while the ball is in the glove she needs to reach for some seam, any seam?

I found out a lot about how I throw, just by talking my way through it. I did not realize that I rotate the ball, prior to my throw, to get a seam.

As far as the big wind up, I just pull the ball back to my ear/shoulder. I do not teach turning the ball to face 2nd base.

Off topic. I love that house, if it is yours. We lived in a Lindahl Cedar Home in IL.
 
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