Throwing tip for the young guns...

Some of you probably already do this or some variation of it. It's a good tip I learned that I thought deserved mention here. It's not mine and I am not trying to take credit for it. Just sharing. Especially helpful for the younger kids.

There's a lot of talk about throwing arm action and proper mechanics. It's difficult to actually see that arm action clearly with the naked eye. One sign that the proper arm action, grip and mechanics are being used can be the rotation of the ball in flight. What most are looking for is a good 12-6(think of a clock) rotation of the thrown ball. Here's the tip.

Looking at a baseball from a four seam view, wrap a peice of black electrical tape around the ball in a straight line across all four seams. Start at the top, go under the ball and back around to top in a straight line. Now when you throw this ball properly you get instant feedback from the black line. The tape also works as a reminder of proper the proper grip. Two fingers, pointer and middle, on either side of the tape and the thumb on the tape. You now have a correct two finger, four seam grip.

The tape simply makes it easier to see the ratation of the rotaion of the ball in the air. It gives quick visual feedback without any real thought. We make it kind of a game. Who can make that line the straightest in the air. You can't do it without proper arm motion. One of these balls stays in Aidan's glove and is always the first one we warm up with. It's usaully all we throw with. It's easy to see a bit of a breakdown when it happens. He sees it and I don't need to say anything. When we practice catching, this ball is about all we use. When used correctly he can see that straight line himself from behind as that ball sails toward second.

Hope this is helpful. I can't recall exactly where I found it, but we have been doing it for a long time now and it has helped us both. The best part about it is that I get feedback on my own throws. I can tell right away if what I am doing is showing him the right way or not.

Have fun!!

Tim