Using Your Legs While Throwing

Catch, you might want to post a video of you throwing. Though the legs have to be used unless you can float, the catchers core and arm speed are used more because he has to ready himself so quickly. If you get in the right position to throw, you will maximize what you have. The video would get you some good answers.

Catch43,
Make sure when you come up to throw you keep the kness flexed...see alot of catchers getting too tall with almost a straight back leg when they throw and the throws are all terrible. Leg strength helps but your power will come from hip rotation and your core. Stay low and flexed.

As far as pushing the ball, check your throwing arm elbow position. If it's not getting to shoulder level or dropping as you throw, you will essentially be pushing the ball instead of throwing. Also check your release point as to where and how high it is; if you are at ear level you are pushing more than throwing.

Don't circle the arm to throw...ball never drops below the position from where you catch it or you'll be slow releasing.

I made a deal out of PVC tubes that basically had a bar just below one of my catchers release point. Had him use it everyday for 50 throws into a net in his basement; not full out but rather just warmup tempo. If he pushed or released to low he hit the bar. Cost about maybe $8 or so; I invested the $ and my catcher invested his time and it helped fix his pushing problem. He would also throw some with eyes closed to check how his muscle memory progressed. Took him about 2 months but we saw steady improvement until the proper release/motion was locked in.

Abrams, that sounds like a great idea, and it's nice to see a coach care so much about one of his player's development. I can't exactly picture what it looks like though, any chance you could post a picture?

Hardball,
'Puter literacy ain't my strong point but I'll try to describe it. 1"PVC joined to form a rectangle with the long sides tall enough to get the elbow up and the short sides wide enough for stability. Top corners joined with 90 degree fitting and the bottom corners have a 4 hole fitting ( one for the long side, one for short side joining with the fitting on other side, and two holes for legs for support. Basically a square/rectangle with legs at the bottom to keep it from tipping over; think of a pitcher's screen used in batting practice but no net.

If you go to Home Depot/Lowe's and look at all the PVC fittings/connectors you'll figure it out faster than you'll figure out my explanation.

if you are pushing then your timing is off. sounds like the arm cant catch up with lower half.

S Abrams, what does this thing look like? (PVC)

plash3,
Think of a square/rectangle with arms/legs on one end to how it upright. Think of it like a L- screen but made of PVC tubes/fittings. Kid has to throw over it by getting his hand and elbow up and he can still see his target; you can actually take it apart quickly to use out on the field. make sure the legs are long enough for stability outside.

If the thrower drops his elbow he'll hit the top bar. My catcher said it helped him to try to throw the ball at a downward angle over the bar so that he got used to the feel of not dropping his elbow. He would throw with a full outfield type windup and also like a catcher.