Pregame throwing routine.

I picked up a series of drills that are referred to as "lead up drills' (?) from Coach Gordie ________ from Connecticut while working together at a camp at U of Mich. The one that I like the best and have used the most has the thrower get in throwing position and throw to a nearby partner but keep feet on ground except for rear heel. This helps to ingrain the mechicans of the arm working in conjuncton with the rest of the body. Gradually increase the distance. This makes for a good warmup. Using the foul line as a guide have players play catch with a partner who gradual backs up into the OF to increase distance. Remind players that when your partner is even with 2nd base you are throwing 90' and when even with the edge of inf dirt and OF grass you are approx 120' (regualation field, modifications needed for younger players). Remind playersw that this is a time to develop throwing/catching technique not to BS. Closely observe and correct improper technique and the players will began to realize its importance if you continue to focus on it.

rocket,

We started a throwing program at 9U and it has worked out well. Here is what we do:

1. Player wll stride and seperate hands and check fingers before they throw. This is done from about 30 feet apart. Reciever provides a target and watches rotation of the ball. Corrects the rotation when it is not 12-6 o'clock.

2. Back up 10 feet. Start with hands at center of body and feet shoulder width apart. Seperate and throw. Receiver provides target.

3. Continue to back up while throwing normally to long toss distance...on a line. Receiver still provides a target.

Some teams start on one knee but I choose not to do this. On wet days, it disrupts their routine. If a player is struggling with rotation, (usually due to small hands) we will isolate the release and instruct on proper rotation.

Our routine is simple and effective. Other may have more to add, but, typically, we can get loose in no more than 10 minutes.

Thanks for the information, it is very helpful.

My team's biggest problem is, they get lazy and start to short arm the throw. This may be a result of throwing indoors and not being able to long toss. Can isolating the arm while throwing be used to simulate the intensity of throws made while long tossing? Basically forcing the arm to create more force because the body isn't being used.

Thanks again for all your assistance.

Make a game out of warmups...we use 2 points for head shots and 1 point for chest shots. Your kids will take interest in the game.

The biggest/ most widespread problem I see with bad throwing mechanics is what I call a "dead front arm" or one arm throwing. Try doing that on the big diamond! Yet, at camp for 9-12 grades this last weekend 40 out of 62 had a dead front arm.
We start the kids out as young as possible with this progression:
1) One knee throws introducing T with front elbow as high as back elbow, ball behind hand, chest goes to glove, good follow thru across up knee.
2) One knee to standing at the end.
3) Standing with lead leg already out, T ,Throw, follow thru
4) Step with throwing foot’s ankle bone pointing at target, T while striding with glove foot, throw.
5)(Step-T-Throw)becomes their cadence that they speak to themselves as they continue to warm up.
6)Short-Long-short toss is added outside.MIs throw quick toss at end of SLS.
7)End with underhand toss and Darts from 10'

This is done everyday. It goes quick when they get the routine down