This is posted for an specific inquiring individual, but some others such as dads or moms of younger players may find it useful.
For throws from the outfield, when possible, such as when it is possible to face the target you are throwing too, or moving toward the target you are throwing to, a crow-hop and reverse windmill motion of the throwing arm should be used.
1) The crow-hop allows for a powerful initiation and transfer of force into the throw.
2) The crow-hop creates a fluid timing mechanism between the feet and the throwing arm
3) The reverse windmill throw allows for the strongest possible throw for the greatest distance, and imparts backspin on the ball, creating increased "travel".
4) The reverse windmill motion creates an over-hand throw for the greatest accuracy.
5) The reverse windmill throwing motion allows the legs to dictate the timing of release, because the arm can always catch up to the legs in the crow-hop, but you don't want the legs shuffling and forcing the throw.
This is Amanda one of my freshman HS players. The first move is a two handed catch. The left leg is positioned forward at the catch. The crow-hop is initiated immediately, by a high step forward with the right foot with the instep turned toward the target, followed by the step onto the left foot, and throw. It is very important to bring the thumb of the throwing hand to the thigh as shown here. This forces the windmill motion and an over-hand throw.
DRILLS
1) (Tell the kids to "peddle the bicycle")
a. You can use the outfield foul line or a swimming pool noodle as a barrier. The players are lined up behind the barrier left foot forward, and leap over the barrier with the right foot first, then step with the left foot.
b. After efficiency, add the throwing motion
c. Give the players a ball to throw to the coach or partner when they complete the steps.
2) (Accuracy in tosses is important here)
a. Have the players line up behind the foul-line or noodle, left foot forward.
b. Toss a ball up about 4-5 feet and have them catch the ball, then step into the crow-hop across the foul-line or noodle
c. Have them stand behind the line and step up to the line, catching the ball on their left foot, then crow-hop across the foul-line or noodle.
3) Increase the high and distance of the tosses. Until they can time their feet.
4) Hit fly balls and ground balls to them and initiate the throws, fielding the ball on the appropriate foot, which is the left foot for right-handed players.
Credit here to SBfamily for reminding me of this advanced drill:
5) Use a 55 gallon drum on its side and throw balls from the outfield into the barrel. The ideal throw is a one hop throw to allow a knee high catch and tag. I gave them 1 point for going in on the fly, 2 points on one hop, 1 point on two hops, and 0 on everything else. They love competitions. I usually did this drill indoors before the season because of weather in the Rockies, but it works anywhere.
Another level is to add a relay. Pair the girls up, and hit deeper fly balls to the outfield. The OF then throws the ball to the infielder on the relay who completes the play. You can configure points for the perfect OF throw also: If the (R)relay catches the ball on the fly is 1 point, a R catch on the throwing side is 1 point, R catching the ball on the left foot to make the relay is 1 point. The girls get into it.
I think 14U is probably a better age for this drill, and 12U for the previous, but other coaches would know better.
A little disclaimer here: Amanda was receiving a short throw to make these photos. This sequence should and does to some degree demonstrate setting up behind the ball. Unfortunately the reaction to the toss was to duck under the ball instead of shuffling her feet and getting the left foot forward, while catching the ball standing up and in an aggressive forward motion into the throw as it should be!
For throws from the outfield, when possible, such as when it is possible to face the target you are throwing too, or moving toward the target you are throwing to, a crow-hop and reverse windmill motion of the throwing arm should be used.
1) The crow-hop allows for a powerful initiation and transfer of force into the throw.
2) The crow-hop creates a fluid timing mechanism between the feet and the throwing arm
3) The reverse windmill throw allows for the strongest possible throw for the greatest distance, and imparts backspin on the ball, creating increased "travel".
4) The reverse windmill motion creates an over-hand throw for the greatest accuracy.
5) The reverse windmill throwing motion allows the legs to dictate the timing of release, because the arm can always catch up to the legs in the crow-hop, but you don't want the legs shuffling and forcing the throw.
This is Amanda one of my freshman HS players. The first move is a two handed catch. The left leg is positioned forward at the catch. The crow-hop is initiated immediately, by a high step forward with the right foot with the instep turned toward the target, followed by the step onto the left foot, and throw. It is very important to bring the thumb of the throwing hand to the thigh as shown here. This forces the windmill motion and an over-hand throw.
DRILLS
1) (Tell the kids to "peddle the bicycle")
a. You can use the outfield foul line or a swimming pool noodle as a barrier. The players are lined up behind the barrier left foot forward, and leap over the barrier with the right foot first, then step with the left foot.
b. After efficiency, add the throwing motion
c. Give the players a ball to throw to the coach or partner when they complete the steps.
2) (Accuracy in tosses is important here)
a. Have the players line up behind the foul-line or noodle, left foot forward.
b. Toss a ball up about 4-5 feet and have them catch the ball, then step into the crow-hop across the foul-line or noodle
c. Have them stand behind the line and step up to the line, catching the ball on their left foot, then crow-hop across the foul-line or noodle.
3) Increase the high and distance of the tosses. Until they can time their feet.
4) Hit fly balls and ground balls to them and initiate the throws, fielding the ball on the appropriate foot, which is the left foot for right-handed players.
Credit here to SBfamily for reminding me of this advanced drill:
5) Use a 55 gallon drum on its side and throw balls from the outfield into the barrel. The ideal throw is a one hop throw to allow a knee high catch and tag. I gave them 1 point for going in on the fly, 2 points on one hop, 1 point on two hops, and 0 on everything else. They love competitions. I usually did this drill indoors before the season because of weather in the Rockies, but it works anywhere.
Another level is to add a relay. Pair the girls up, and hit deeper fly balls to the outfield. The OF then throws the ball to the infielder on the relay who completes the play. You can configure points for the perfect OF throw also: If the (R)relay catches the ball on the fly is 1 point, a R catch on the throwing side is 1 point, R catching the ball on the left foot to make the relay is 1 point. The girls get into it.
I think 14U is probably a better age for this drill, and 12U for the previous, but other coaches would know better.
A little disclaimer here: Amanda was receiving a short throw to make these photos. This sequence should and does to some degree demonstrate setting up behind the ball. Unfortunately the reaction to the toss was to duck under the ball instead of shuffling her feet and getting the left foot forward, while catching the ball standing up and in an aggressive forward motion into the throw as it should be!
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