Category: Throwing
Type: Drill
8-BALL
Our throwing drill that we use is called the "8-Ball Drill". It is divided into eight steps:
1) Player stands shoulder width apart, puts throwing arm up at 90 degree angle, holds elbow with glove, and throws ball to partner using just his wrist action.
2) Player sits with legs spread and has arm in same position, only this time he can use from his elbow up and throws the ball to his partner.
3) Player remains sitting, only now he can rotate his hips and turn his upper torso to throw the ball. Follow through is not necessary yet. There is an emphasis on using the glove arm or elbow to direct throw.
4) Player now goes to one knee. He rotates his hips and upper torso and throws the ball, only now he puts the emphasis on following through across his knee, which is raised.
5) Player now stands with glove arm closest to partner, and feet shoulder width apart. Using all of the above steps, he throws the ball concentrating on follow through, only he cannot move his feet.
6) Player now goes to the post position as in pitching, and throws the ball using the above steps. Emphasis in this step is balance at the post position.
7) Player now uses all the steps above, crow hops and throws the ball to his partner. Emphasis in this step is on proper technique of the crow hop.
8) Finally, the last step is long toss. Additionally, we add playing quick toss to the last step, primarily intended for the benefit of the infielders. They stand about 10 feet apart and toss the ball to each other as quickly as they can for one minute. You can even keep track of the number of catches to turn this into a competition. Emphasis here is on a quick release and concentrating on the ball entering and leaving the glove (transferring).
Submitted by: Coach B
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