Whether you participate in youth baseball or analyze major league baseball, proper basics are the foundation of having fun with Americas pastime. There are no excuse for not to practice throwing a baseball correctly.
Sources for correct throwing technique are readily available. Any batting cage owner (private or commercial) generally has sufficient knowledge of, or can direct you to, proper throw technique. You can also teach yourself from the many available books, videos and web notes.
As a parent, teaching to throw is a bonding opportunity that has no comparison. Get some pointers from the local experts and pass it along to any child willing to spend time with you.
If you have ever read Teach Baseball as you Teach Life by Bruce Lambin then you already realize how Baseball is a Mans game and that throwing like a girl can actually harm the player both physically and emotionally.
On the emotional side, throwing a baseball properly does not promote taunting from other team members or opponents. Having the confidence and ability to get the baseball from glove to glove is a worthwhile achievement for any age. Many seem to dismiss a baseball throw for what its absolute goal is. Being able to continually repeat the goal breeds personal self esteem. No matter which baseball league you are in, no matter what position you play the goal is for each and every throw is to have it wind up in your team mates baseball gloves where little or no adjustment is made by the receiver. It takes practice to get there, perfect practice that is.
Baseball throwing at first sight does not appear to be overly demanding. Closer analysis proves that throwing a baseball correctly will allow the body to throw for years. Incorrect throwing can cause a multitude of physical damage from torn rotator cuffs in the shoulder and tennis elbow to un-even bone growth on each side of the wrist.
Lifelong injuries from incorrect form are no myth. Youth baseball players cannot envision their lives at 40. Even the best players who make it to the big show know that being a paid baseball player past 40 is reserved for the best of the best. Why risk the quality of life for improper throwing. Being able to reach above you head pain free to change a light bulb may not seem a loft goal, but for those who cannot, it is.
Is there a time when its ok to throw any way you want, sure, the moment you are being paid big bucks to play. Throw the baseball any way you like. Just remember this, the least amount of damage you bring to your body the longer you are able to play at the paid level. In our modern culture, livelong earnings substantially out weigh life long ERA or batting average.
Baseball is a Mans game, HUMAN. We are all human, hence the need for boys and girls to throw a baseball properly. Participation is more fun without undue strain on the body when you take the time to make your practice perfect. So, grip the ball, reach back bring it forward with your elbow above your shoulder then let it fly.
Mitchell Dowdy
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