Page 8 - Jim Stone Book

Activities to train the throwing mechanics

T position, feet parallel, do not turn feet- in this activity
the lower body and feet are stationary, and the athlete
will turn the hips and shoulders to initiate the throwing
action. I want the athlete to “feel” the rotation and stretch
of the upper body. Emphasis is placed on the “T”
position, “Yes” position, and hip/upper body rotation.

T-position, staggered foot position- I have the athlete
locate the left toe (right-handed player) to the target. The
feet are staggered so this will facilitate hip rotation, no
step, just rotate and throw. Emphasis on “T” and “Yes”
positions, low elbow to high elbow, weight transfer from
back foot to front foot.

Step and throw- same as above drills, add a step with the
lead foot to the target. Emphasis placed on the hips lead
the throwing action.

T-position-shuffle step and throw. We add movement of the
lower body into the throw. Keep the upper body mechanics
the same. Focus on hip rotation leading the upper body
rotation.
With back to the target, turn, rotate the hips, step to target
and throw. This allows the athlete to feel the hip rotation into
the throw.

Throw for velocity or distance- athlete will throw ball
against the wall for velocity. The athlete can generate
speed with a running approach. Having a radar gun will
add motivation for improvement. Similar drill with the
distance a ball is thrown being measured. This drill is to
emphasize big body movements, lots of rotation, and
generating arm speed into the throwing motion.