How To Throw A Baseball?

Accurate ball throwing isn’t an easy thing to do. In baseball, all the positions require you to know how to throw the ball far and precisely. To throw the ball properly, a player needs to learn the mechanism of ball throwing from an early age. Then, through practice or play catch in the backyard, it will be easier to teach proper throwing motion.

How to throw a baseball is a common question from the beginning even in 2021 . so let us break down the process.

Steps On How To Throw A Baseball
Steps On How To Throw A Baseball

Step 1: Proper Throwing Arm Grip

For the proper baseball throwing, you need the proper grip. There are a number of ways to have a grip on the ball for baseball throwing. Below I will mention, in my opinion, the top 5 baseball grips that will help most beginners. Each of the grips I will mention has its own benefits and learning them will definitely up their game.

1. Four Seam Fastball

The correct way to grip this style is to use two fingers to go across the two seams and the thumb under the ball. To do so unconsciously will take years, so young readers don’t worry. Practice as much as possible to become familiar with this grip. For the right grip, throw the ball inside the glove and pull it out this the correct grip.

To become more familiar with this grip, they should practice. To get the right grip, players should practice throwing the ball inside their gloves, and when pulling the ball out, they should correctly hold the ball.

How to Throw a Baseball finger style post1

This throw is one of the fastest pitches in the game. The only other fastball that comes close to it is the two-seam fastball. Each one of them is a must have for any baseball throw list.

2. Two Seam Fastball

When pitching this type of fastball, the player needs to place two fingers with the seams instead of across them. The thumb needs to go directly under the baseball same as the four-seam fastball.

This grip is an excellent point to start from as it provides extra stability and longer flight time. The third-fastest pitch is the slider and it has an interesting grip style.

3. Slider

Similar to the two-seam the index and middle finger must go along the seam while the thumb will be below the ball. The interesting thing about the slider is that the grip will have to be slightly off-center.

The best way to throw a baseball slider, in my opinion, is to be on the outer third of the baseball. When pitching makes sure to keep the velocity the same as other fast pitches.  For a change of pace, let’s look at the three-finger changeup(pun intended!).

4. Three-finger Changeup

As the title says you need three fingers for this pitch. The ring finger with index and middle fingers must go across the seam. While the thumb and pinky finger will be at the bottom. Some pitchers like to have the bottom fingers to touch for a better feel.

This pitch is one of the off-speed pitches that really change up the game. But if you really wanna impress in the field figure out how to pitch a curve baseball. It is a good pitch to learn for a unique baseball throw.

5. Beginner Curveball

For an easy-to-pull-off curveball start at the beginning. The index finger should point towards the batter and the middle finger needs to go along the seams. The thumb should be placed on the back seam.

This beginner grip is helpful in learning proper spin but the index point is easy to pick up. All the readers should move from here quickly so that your target doesn’t wise up. 

While having a good grip on the ball is well and good the wrist is the next part of the arm we need to be talking about. So let us delve into the importance of correct wrist movement and its results.

Of all the pitchers out there Yu Darvish is the man with the most types of pitches in my opinion.

Step 2: Proper Wrist Placement

Most young players’ wrist motion is quite stiff even though it plays a vital role. The fingers and wrist motion play a significant role in throwing accuracy and firm balls. Along with the proper placement of the throwing arm, the wrist needs to move precisely to get a stronger and precise throw.

If you watch youth league baseball, you can easily spot the younger players throwing motions stiffer than the professionals. Learning to make the throwing motion more fluid and achieve the whip effect will go a long way. Baseball throwing needs the full body, not just the throwing arm.

The only way to get this motion down is to practice while following some steps. First, place the glove hand level with the ground between the abdomen and chest. Next, place the throwing arm perpendicular to the glove arm while the throwing elbow rests on the glove.

While the practice may seem bizarre, it has some good benefits. First, the practice teaches the way of wrist snapping with the need for arms moving. Additionally, it also helps in getting the desired whip effect.

For the best throwing position, make sure the elbow, thumb, and chest are in the correct position.

Exact Arm and Throwing Motion

To throw a baseball on point and over a long distance, players must remember and follow multiple factors. For example, the player must follow proper hand and glove placement and the correct path of the arm.

How to Throw a Baseball-Exact Arm and Throwing Motion
How to Throw a Baseball-Exact Arm and Throwing Motion.jpeg

If you wanna throw those fantastic shots using the entire arm is a must. Why else do you think the professional baseball long toss look so cool in slow-mo?

Step 3: Hand Placement 

The start of a good throw begins with the hands. While pulling the ball out of the glove, the thumb needs to point to the ground. When the hand reaches the start of the throwing motion, the ball needs to face away. If you turn your head at the moment, you should see the back of your arm and not the ball.

Exact hand position assures better ball control both in throwing and catching. In addition, it helps in getting the ball out and flying with quicker reactions. Connected to the hand with the glove is the thumb, and both need proper placement.

Step 4: Glove hand Placement

Did you know how vital glove placement is for accurate throws? Unfortunately, I didn’t for a long time, and my throws suffered for it.

Improper placement of the glove, such as behind the back, will result in poor balance. Without good balance, it will be hard to throw the ball far and accurately. The specific manner of glove placement involves folding the glove under the arm similar to a wing. Folding the hand results in better balance, and the thrown ball will fly better.

Step 5: Refine the Trajectory of the Arm

To polish a player throwing mechanics, the trajectory of the arm motion is essential. For a longer throw, the arm needs to move circularly. Therefore, the arm’s path will help generate enough swing to give the ball power it needs to fly further.

Step 6: The Throwing Hand

A short distance needs a small circle, while a long toss needs a bigger circle. To create an accurate circular throw, the elbow of the pitching hand needs to be above the shoulder’s height. This movement delivers a precise ball that does not break the tendons or tissues in the arm.

The circular throwing mechanics will help by giving more natural power than just taking your arm exactly back and and forth. The circular throw should start when you’re drawing the ball from your glove.

While playing outfield, the ball will be thrown further, so when you get the ball from glove, the arm and throwing hand must descend and by the back knee. This position will present you with the most distant circular motion achievable.

For instance, you may get the ball out of your glove for the quicker infield throw and move it back and down somewhat. This movement will deliver you a circular motion proper for the range.

Step 7: The Legs hold Power

Just as the arms the legs also play a role. While you throw a ball towards another target player, then just like the arm, the leg also needs to line up. For a good baseball, throw make sure to pay attention to the legs.

The back foot should stay perpendicular to the other target player, and the hips should stay closed and point towards your target player.

Once everything lines up, step towards your target with the lead foot or left foot by pushing off the back leg as you throw the ball using your entire body.

If you aren’t used to this position, it would feet strange at first, but it’s all about getting used to it.

To drill this motion of squaring off, watch the following video.

Tips on how to throw a baseball or softball

We have shared the steps on how to throw a baseball but there are many tips you can follow to make your throws faster or go further. Different players or pitchers discover or create their own methods or tweak them to match their preference. Here are some that we have seen to work really well:

Proper footwork

Focus on your footwork and body positioning. Ensure you have a solid base by stepping toward your target with your front foot and generating power from your legs and hips. This transfer of energy helps generate more speed and power in your throws.

Have a flexible arm

Develop arm strength and flexibility through targeted exercises and stretches. Incorporate resistance band exercises, weightlifting, and shoulder mobility drills to enhance your throwing motion and increase velocity.

Optimize your stance

Work on your throwing mechanics to optimize your motion. Focus on a compact arm circle, proper arm extension, and a smooth follow-through. Engage your core muscles and maintain a balanced posture throughout the throwing motion.

Do long toss drills

Incorporate long toss drills into your training routine. By gradually increasing the distance of your throws, you’ll build arm strength, improve your accuracy, and develop a better feel for the ball’s flight.

Practice, practice, practice

Consistency is key to improving your throwing. Regularly practice your throws with a partner or against a wall to refine your technique and build muscle memory. Aim for accuracy and gradually increase your throwing intensity to enhance velocity over time.

Remember, developing a strong and accurate throw takes time and dedication. Incorporate these tips into your training regimen and gradually work on improving your strength, mechanics, and consistency to throw the baseball better and faster.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

How can I make my pitches go faster?

Increasing your pitching velocity is crucial to making better pitches since the faster your pitches are, the better the chances are that the hitter will miss them. Any good pitcher will tell you that the speed of your pitch is just as important as the type of pitch you throw.

Here are some tips to make your pitches go faster than your rivals’:

  • Have a better hip-to-shoulder separation
  • Begin with a 45-degree angle or greater closed off
  • Tilt your shoulder after you close off
  • Make your loading and unloading bigger and more linear
  • Gather more rotational and liner energy for faster swings

Which is the best pitch to throw in baseball?

The best pitch for learning how to throw a baseball should be a fastball since it is the first one you will learn and have the most time learning. Moreover, the more you practice, the faster you will be able to make it. With a few adjustments, you can make any old fastball quite deadly and wholly your own.

Hidden Ball Trick in Baseball: What is it?

How much does a Baseball weigh: MLB rule

How To Be A Good Outfielder in Baseball- Secret Tips

Leave a Comment

Show Buttons
Hide Buttons