Throwing Preparations; Proper Throwing Techniques - Sports Sensors gloveRADAR GR360 Owner's Manual

THROWING PREPARATIONS

Taking care of your arm and body and learning proper techniques are vital
to achieving success in throwing/pitching. Consult your coach, trainer, doctor
or parent for guidance. The following steps are strongly recommended:
1. Undertake a conditioning program to get your arm and body in shape
for baseball/softball.
2. Before throwing, stretch and warm-up your arm and body.
3. Begin throwing at slow speeds and over short distances. Gradually extend
the distance and increase the speed. The Glove Radar
this process.
4. Be sure you know and practice the proper throwing/pitching techniques.
By throwing correctly, you will be able to achieve your best velocity and
hit your target, while reducing the likelihood of injuring your arm or body.
As you learn and master the proper techniques, you will see improve-
ments in your performance. The Glove Radar
ments by which velocity performance improvements can be readily seen.
This reinforcement creates player enthusiasm for seeking improve-
ment by applying proper throwing/pitching techniques.
5. If you experience pain while throwing/pitching, or afterward, consult
your doctor, trainer, coach or parent immediately. Do not ignore pain!!
SUMMARY OF PROPER THROWING TECHNIQUES
1. 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.
2. 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 through
out their playing lives.
3. Proper throwing starts with conditioning activities well before the ball
season begins.
4. 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.
5. 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
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6. Proper throwing techniques can be summarized as follows:
• 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 facing downward.
• Extend the arm of the gloved hand forward, for balance, generally with
the elbow somewhat bent and your thumb down.
• Keep your eyes on the target as you "come almost over the top" with the
ball. Sidearm throws are sometimes necessary in game situations, but
maximum velocity and accuracy can be achieved with an overhand
throwing motion. Let this be your natural motion.
• 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.
• Your arm follow-through will be a smooth arc down and across to the
opposite side of your body to allow your arm to slow down after releasing
the ball.
• The entire throwing motion should be smooth, not herky-jerky.
• Start off slowly until the entire sequence becomes natural and
comfortable.
7. Practice throwing from your position on the field.
• Work on receiving the ball coming to you on either side, high or low.
• Get into your throwing position as you are receiving the ball.
• To be best prepared to make a quick throw, catch the ball with both
hands so that the ball can be transferred easily to your throwing hand.
— Get your body moving as you receive the ball so that your step
toward the receiver is a natural part of making the catch. A short hop or
"crow-step" will give your body momentum to make the throw.
• Get set when making a throw; try to avoid throwing off-balance,
although occasionally it will be necessary.
• Practice getting rid of the ball quickly—infielders to get a fast runner
and outfielders to nail the runner tagging-up or stretching a hit. Imagine
various game situations as you toss and practice.
8. The three things that make a good ballplayer are:
• PRACTICE • PRACTICE, • and PRACTICE!!
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