#470 - How to Throw a Baseball

How to Throw a Baseball

In the major leagues, baseball players make throwing the baseball look so easy. But, just like anything else, learning the right technique to throw a baseball takes time and practice. Whether you're tossing the ball around with your kids or waiting for a scout to discover you at your next game, fine-tune your throw with these steps.

1. First, stretch and warm up your entire body, not just your shoulders and arms. You will reduce the risk of injury and soreness.
2. Plant your back foot (same side as your throwing arm), and step forward with the other foot toward the person receiving the throw. For example, if you are throwing right-handed, plant your right foot and step forward with your left.
3. Turn your opposite shoulder toward the person who will be catching the ball as you step.
4. Grip the ball in your fingertips with the seams of the baseball running horizontally in your hand. Then extend the ball down and back for power. The wrist should be cocked backwards, not stiff. Your gloved hand can extend forward for balance.
5. Watch your target as your arm comes around with the ball. When your arm passes over your head, release the ball out in front of your body. Let your throwing arm and the rest of your body follow the motion through. The throwing arm follow-through should be an arc that passes across to the opposite side of your body.

excerpt from: ehow.com