How To Throw A Softball

Summary

In this video, Megan Remblack breaks down the fundamentals of throwing a softball with clear, step-by-step instructions. She emphasizes proper grip, arm positioning, and the importance of a 90-degree angle for power and accuracy. Megan provides helpful drills to practice at home or at the field, including using a towel to simulate the throwing motion and various progression drills. Whether you're in the infield or outfield, she demonstrates how to use body mechanics to throw with strength and precision, while also offering tips for improving form and reducing strain on the arm.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on gripping the ball with your fingertips, not your palm, for better accuracy and power.
• 😀 Maintain a 90-degree angle with your throwing arm to avoid strain and maximize power.
• 😀 When throwing, make sure your glove hand points toward the target to help with resistance and alignment.
• 😀 Keep your throwing shoulder slightly tucked in to create a more compact throwing motion and increase accuracy.
• 😀 Elbow should lead the hand during the throw to avoid a shot-put motion and ensure better control and strength.
• 😀 Ensure your elbow stays at a 90-degree angle while throwing for optimal power and minimal strain.
• 😀 Release the ball in front of your head and snap your forearm across your body to avoid elbow and shoulder strain.
• 😀 Practice with a towel to mimic the throwing motion, which helps develop muscle memory for proper technique.
• 😀 A good drill to improve throwing mechanics is starting on your knees, focusing on core twisting and forearm uncoiling.
• 😀 Work on progression drills by standing and walking into the throw to build muscle memory and fluidity.
• 😀 Adjust your throw mechanics slightly between infield and outfield, but always ensure your arm comes across your body for accuracy.

Q & A

Why is it important to grip the softball with your fingertips instead of your palm?

Gripping the ball with your fingertips helps generate more power and improves accuracy, as opposed to a palm grip, which limits control and reduces the force behind the throw.

What is the ideal throwing arm position before making a throw?

The ideal position for the throwing arm is 90 degrees or slightly less. This position allows for maximum power and accuracy, while also minimizing strain on the elbow and shoulder.

What happens if the throwing arm is positioned incorrectly, such as being too high or low?

If the throwing arm is too high (near the ear) or too low (too straight), it can cause poor accuracy, reduced power, and put unnecessary strain on the shoulder and elbow.

Why is the glove hand important during the throwing motion?

The glove hand helps create resistance and keeps the throwing shoulder aligned properly. It also aids in generating a more compact and controlled throwing motion.

How should the front side of the body behave during a throw?

The front side should remain firm and resist any forward motion, ensuring that the throw stays strong and stable. This creates the necessary power and accuracy.

What does the term 'uncoiling the forearm' mean in the context of throwing?

'Uncoiling the forearm' refers to the action of snapping the forearm through the throwing motion, allowing the ball to be released with maximum speed and force.

What is the importance of elbow positioning during the throw?

The elbow should lead the hand during the throw. This ensures that the ball is thrown with the correct technique, preventing a 'shot put' style throw, which would lead to lower accuracy and power.

What is the purpose of the drills with a towel or t-shirt?

Using a towel or t-shirt in drills helps practice the throwing motion without a ball, building muscle memory and ensuring the correct form, particularly in terms of body rotation and arm mechanics.

What is the 'core twist' drill and why is it helpful?

The 'core twist' drill involves starting on the knees and slowly rotating back to feel the twist in the core and obliques. This drill helps develop the rotational power necessary for an effective throw.

What adjustments should be made for infield versus outfield throws?

Infield throws generally require a quicker, more compact motion with the chest higher, while outfield throws involve a longer, more powerful motion with the chest leaning down to generate extra power.