Throwing Techniques

Question
Although my daughter plays fast pitch, this is a mechanics question that pertains to all players.  She is currently playing catcher and has developed a bad habit of lobbing the ball instead of extending her arm and throwing the ball to the pitcher.  Other than constant throwing practice, are there any other drills or techniques I can use to help her throw the ball back to the pitcher?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Laura,

Thanks for your question.  Playing catcher and having a good throw is important.  Lobbing the ball to the pitcher after ever pitcher lets the other team see a "potential" weakness.  In other words, a runner on the opposing team may be more willing to take an extra bag if they don't believe the catcher can make a good hard throw in time.  

Now in your daughters' defense it is very hard to throw the ball back after every pitch while in a crouched position, that may be why it lobs so much.  If you're concern is that her ball lobs while she is throwing from the crouched position, don't worry too much about it, most people would have that problem.  But if she is standing-up and then lobbing the ball back to the pitcher she should definitely start working on her release.

Here are some techniques that I copied-over from the following website: http://www.gloveradar.com/htdocs/gr_rf.html
I cut out some of the items that weren't really applicable for your daughter's situation.  Just remember though that all of the information in the world isn't worth the paper it's printed on if it isn't practiced very regularly.  Here are the techniques:


Why Building Good Technique Is Important:

- By learning the proper throwing techniques, players can achieve their best velocity and accuracy while reducing the risk of injury to their arm and body.
- Learning the proper throwing techniques when young, allows a player's muscles and mind to develop the correct memory.  Proper throwing can therefore become a good habit that will stay with players throughout their playing lives.


Getting Ready to Throw:

- Proper throwing starts with conditioning activities well before the ball season begins.
- Stretching and warming-up the entire body, as well as the shoulders and arms, is necessary before actually starting to throw.  "Warm-up to throw; don't throw to warm-up", as stated by the American Sports Medicine Institute.
- Start throwing slowly, over a short distance.  Gradually lengthen the distance and increase velocity.  This warm-up period will vary with the individual, but will be typically 10-20 minutes.


Some Proper Throwing Techniques:

- Plant the back foot, on the side of your throwing arm, and step with the front foot toward the receiver.
- As you step, turn the shoulder of your gloved hand also toward the receiver.
- Reach down and back for power, keeping your hand on top of the ball palm down.
- Extend the arm of the gloved hand forward, for balance, generally with the elbow somewhat bent.
- Release the ball out in front of your body after your arm passes your head.
- Follow through with your arm and body -- do not let your throwing side stay back.
- The entire throwing motion should be smooth, not herky-jerky.
- Start off slowly until the entire process becomes natural and comfortable.


I hope this helps her.