The information below describes the ‘Infielder’ throwing action (50’-70’). However, at the youth level the majority of throws, including outfielders’ throws on relays, fall within this distance range.

The throwing action has three parts (note that the word ‘arm’ is not listed):

1. Leg

2. Elbow

3. Wrist

Once in a Power Position (elbows at shoulder level) with the glove-side of the body pointing at the target, the throwing action begins.  (first picture below)

Back LEG pushes off the back foot and drives the torso straight forward towards the target. The Leg Drive is made with a great amount of force.

Glove ELBOW pulls straight back and stops at a point a bit before reaching the side of the torso. When the glove-elbow stops, the glove side of the body firms-up, stabilizing the glove side, which works as a Hinge during the throwing action.

The upper part of the throwing arm and torso work as one piece (picture of skeleton). The area of the body that works as one piece is illustrated by the red line. The Leg drive, primarily, and the glove-elbow pull, result in the torso turning to face the target. When the throwing-arm elbow is passing the body, or a hair past, the WRIST snaps to finish the throwing action

The upper part of the throwing arm and elbow move Sideways*, remaining at shoulder level, when moving forward past the torso. The throwing hand is outside the elbow as it moves forward.  (second picture below)

* Not to be confused with ‘sidearm’, which has the elbow below shoulder level (not good).

The WRIST Snap begins as the throwing-arm elbow is passing the torso. The Wrist-Snap action involves the fingers and hand, of the throwing-arm, snapping down with great force.

The energy of the Leg Drive and Wrist Snap carry the throwing arm straight forward towards the target.  Following the Wrist Snap, the throwing arm remains at shoulder height.  (third picture below)

Older, stronger players generate enough forward momentum from the Leg Drive and Wrist Snap, that the momentum of the throwing arm carries the arm across the body; the arm remains at shoulder level throughout the action. (fourth picture below)

*** The throw is a sideways Slinging action …not ‘overhand’. ***

Finally…

1. Head Control is a critical piece for throwing accuracy. The player ‘Faces’ their target Before, During, and After the throw.

2. The Forward Momentum of the throwing action continues after the throw. This momentum carries the player a step or two straight towards their target after they throw the ball.

Drills

All 6 drills are done without a ball. These can be done anytime, most anywhere. (‘Wrist Action’, for example, can be done while riding in the car.)

1. Turn & Pull

(Objective: train the upper arm and torso to move as ‘one piece’        - red line in the picture)

• Start in a Power Position (Elbows at shoulder level; feet wider than the hips)

• Turn feet/legs, and pull glove elbow straight back, stopping when it reaches the side of the torso

• Finish with throwing-arm elbow and hand a bit past the head & torso

• Zero effort with throwing-arm muscles

2. Drive & Pull

Same as above. Difference: back leg pushing off the back foot, driving the body straight forward.  Finish with body over front foot; throwing-arm elbow and hand a bit past the torso and head.  [Again, Zero effort with throwing-arm muscles]

3. Wrist Action

Set up in finish position of the ‘Drive & Pull’ action. Bending at the wrist, snap the fingers and hand straight down with a good amount of force. Slowly raise the hand and fingers straight up. Repeat 10x (younger kids 6-7x).

4. Drive & Snap

A combination of ‘Drive & Pull’ and ‘Wrist Snap’ actions. Emphasis on the Leg Drive (using a good amount of force).  As the throwing-arm elbow is passing the head, execute the Wrist Snap, with maximum force.  Allow the momentum generated by these two actions, to take the throwing arm to full extension, forward, with the throwing arm remaining at shoulder level.  Allow the body to move forward a step or two (this forward action is a result of the momentum created by the Leg Drive and Wrist Snap.

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Move Feet to Throw (see video below)

5.   Shuffle (three shuffles)

Set up in a Power Position; maintain elbows at shoulder level throughout the drill. Push off the back foot with maximum effort; execute 3 Shuffles, driving the body forward, gaining as much ground as possible*.

Repeat 3 shuffles. This time make them quick, and rhythmical, covering a distance that is natural/normal.

• The objective of the first set up shuffles, is to help the player(s) discover the power their legs can generate*

• The second set of three is to help the player(s) develop the skill, and rhythm, of shuffling forward (gaining ground) towards their target.

* this set of three may only be needed on the first day; might do it on the second day…or done down the road as a reminder to fully utilize the power of the legs prior to making a throw.

6.   Shuffle, Shuffle, Pull-Snap (simulates the entire throwing action - ‘Feet & Wrist’)

Set up in a Power Position; shuffle only two times, give a bit of a pull with the glove elbow. As the throwing arm-elbow is passing the head/torso, Snap the Wrist. Allow the throwing arm to fully extend, forward, remaining at shoulder level. Allow the body to move forward a step or two following the throwing action.

The first 1:30 has short clips (1-2 seconds each) at regular speed.  They are followed by the same videos in slow motion, making it easy to see the arm action.

These illustrate the sideways ‘slinging’ action of the throwing arm. The throwing-arm elbow remains at shoulder height, while moving forward.  The throwing action is completed with the wrist snap. 

On each throw, the players gain ground towards first base (Move Feet).

(Drill can also be used to train: Throwing on the Run)

VIDEO - Underhand Toss (watch: 0:00-0:10)