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I guess you can call it the yips.  I have better accuracy from SS to firstbase then I do from 2nd.  In practice the feeling is completely different from game time.  Especially if the dugout is right behind first base (fear of hurting someone).   I've worked with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Crowley and researched and even tried meditation for over a year.  To no avail I am struggling with throwing the ball at a short distance.  

 

I am here calling out to anyone with advice about how to get my arm back.  Steve Sax did it, and  I know I am capable knowing I once threw with confidence, though I've completely forgot what that is like.  

 

Any tips on what I should focus on mechanically and mentally?  Please note I am a thinker, and I over analyze quite a bit.

 

Thanks 

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Originally Posted by kt333:

I guess you can call it the yips.  I have better accuracy from SS to firstbase then I do from 2nd.  In practice the feeling is completely different from game time.  Especially if the dugout is right behind first base (fear of hurting someone).   I've worked with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Crowley and researched and even tried meditation for over a year.  To no avail I am struggling with throwing the ball at a short distance.  

 

I am here calling out to anyone with advice about how to get my arm back.  Steve Sax did it, and  I know I am capable knowing I once threw with confidence, though I've completely forgot what that is like.  

 

Any tips on what I should focus on mechanically and mentally?  Please note I am a thinker, and I over analyze quite a bit.

 

Thanks 

 Take your time and relax. It's simply a game of catch from 50-90 feet away to your target. Hit him in the chest and call it an out.

Thinking is your problem.  Just go back and work on the mechanics of each part of the throw, and then put it together.  Use video to analyze what your doing.  After putting it together work throws from various distances and then start ramping up the intensity.  Then let your body take over, concentrate on the target and not so much on the throw.

Thank you all.  It has been a very frustrating experience, lots of tears and doubts.  It's put a lot in perspective, and has actually made me think and take a step back and realize the simple things I should never take for granted.  

 

I've been throwing every single day and I'm always all ears waiting for more answers...

 

Thanks again

You didn't forget how to throw, something is getting in the way of your throwing. Sorry, I don't have any cures for you, but I hope you know that many very good ballplayers have been through it.  It seems to affect catcher and second basemen most.  I think the common thread is the relatively short distance from both positions.  It takes your whole body to throw from F6, but just your upper body from F4.

Common sense tells you that this is problem of the mind, not the body, but trying to clear it from your mind is like telling someone not to think about pink elephants... You've already tried some alternative stuff, so you've obviously figured that out.

Here are a couple of active catchers who seem to be doing well now:
Jarrod Saltalamacchia
  http://sports.espn.go.com/bost...ordon&id=6103972

Grayson Greiner
  I haven't noticed that awkward hitch in Greiner's throws back to the pitcher this year (like in the video below).
  http://youtu.be/Luo9Om1B8s4

Best of luck to you, and you are not alone!  Even Rube Baker had the yips in the film Major League II (might give you a laugh).

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High Level Throwing

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