Teaching Proper Throwing Mechanics WSLLThrowing Mechanics Importance of

Teaching Proper Throwing Mechanics

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • Importance of Teaching Proper Throwing Mechanics While Player is Young • Throwing Muscle Memory Forms Very Early (6 -8 years old) • Once Formed it is Extremely Difficult to Change • Improper Throwing Mechanics • Biggest Problem for Little Leaguers in majors • Most Common Reason for not Making High School Team • Improper Warm-Up Throwing • Majority of Throws for Young Player • Reinforcing Wrong Muscle Memory

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • The Grip • “Four Seam” Grip

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • The Grip • “Four Seam” Grip • Center Middle Finger

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • The Grip • “Four Seam” Grip • Center Middle Finger • Thumb Tucked Under

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • The Grip • • “Four Seam” Grip Center Middle Finger Thumb Tucked Under Three-Finger Grip

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • PRONATION!!!!!

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • PRONATION!!!!!

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • PRONATION!!!!!

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics The “natural” finish to a straight throw

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • No “Warm-Up” Throwing!!! • Only Throwing Drills • Coach Must Watch • Flip Drill • Throw with Wrist Only • Pronate • Use Non-throwing Hand to Support Elbow (at least for younger children) • Checkpoint Drill • “Checkpoint Position” • Throw and Follow Through with Pronation • Turn into Throw, not Step into Throw

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics YES • Practice Throws • No Kidding Around • Full Throws • Hip/Body Turn • Ear “Shot Put” Throws • What Coach Looks For • Walk Behind Line (Lefty) NO • Pick Up Rotation • Look for “Dot” • Watch from Side—See Follow-Through Hand Position • Players Pick Up Each Other’s Rotations

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • Other Drills • Spinner • www. club. K. com • Knee Drill • Star Drill • Relay Drill • Skip Step Drill • Crow Hop Drill • Follow-Throw Drills • Only After Turn is Learned

WSLL—Throwing Mechanics • Curve Balls • Never for Children Under 11 • Only acceptable rotations: (Lefty) • Never Acceptable: