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Throwing a Baseball
To throw a long ball from the outfield or throw a
speedy accurate throw to make a play on the infield requires good form
and use of the entire body. Here are some guidelines:
Bring the glove with the ball in it toward your waist.
As you pull the ball from the glove, you want to line up your body in
much the same way you would when you are about to bat with knees bent,
non-throwing arm shoulder facing your target, and body and feet
squared off pointing perpendicular to your target.
Your weight will initially be on your back foot as you
bring the ball back in a circular motion. You will step forward with
the lead foot much (like the stride used in batting) and push off with
your rear foot as you complete the throw. The throwing hand
should cover an elliptical (circular) path as it is makes the complete
throw. Also, your elbow should be as high or higher than your
shoulder rather than tucked in. When you complete the throw your
weight should be transferred to your front foot. This is similar to
the mechanics of batting.
Your eyes should be on your target the entire time
from beginning to end of throw.
In summary:
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Square off the body as if you were getting ready to
bat.
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Step in to your throw with the foot opposite your
throwing hand.
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Use your whole body in the throw and keep your
throwing elbow above the shoulder.
Shown below are some stills
from a baseball throwing video:
CLICK ON EACH PICTURE TO SEE AN ENLARGED VIEW
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