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HOW TO SETUP YOUR THROW PART 3

Softball Throwing Mechanics – Importance of Follow Through

A great softball throw has methodical, practiced, effective mechanics from beginning to end. Your throw does not stop when you release the ball. You must follow through to complete the throwing motion and prevent injury. Having a good follow through technique increases your velocity and distance, and allows your body to naturally conclude the fastest motion it can produce. The importance of a successful follow through are seen most in the extra power it can generate and the protection of the shoulder and elbow with the proper angle.a

Harder Throws

Every player has heard a coach or parent tell them to throw harder. Usually, out of frustration, that leads to poor mechanics like overextension of the shoulder or pushing/shot putting the ball from the elbow, neither of which increase velocity; instead, it could cause injury, especially if frequently repeated. Incorporating a follow through at the same speed and intensity as your throw can prevent that pain and increase the velocity.

Following through can add an extra 2-3 miles per hour onto a throw. A hard throw is made harder with the continuation of the arm’s motion. As Coach Dan Blewett says, “the throwing motion has to be accentuated at the end with an exclamation point.” However, you cannot expect a follow through to significantly increase the ball’s speed. If the throw is weak or soft to begin, so it will end. Throw with intentionality and intensity each and every time to really improve your velocity.

Follow the Angle

The direction of your follow through is predicated by your shoulder tilt to start the throw. The shoulders dictate the arm’s angle, and the follow through continues on the same path. For example, if your outfield throw comes high over the top, the follow throw will cross diagonally down with your hand finishing near the opposite knee. If it is a quick infield sidearm throw, the arm moves almost horizontally across the body towards the opposite elbow. In essence, allow your arm to move naturally in the angle it travels. Remember, humans have evolved to throw fast and hard, so work with your body, not against it.

Harvard University Mechanics of Throwing

Former DI softball player Megan Rembielak demonstrates how the front side of the body moves and tucks to bring the throwing arm all the way through after the ball is released. She explains how “getting tight,” or stopping the arm motion immediately after release, puts unnecessary strain on the elbow and shoulder. She suggests thinking about the follow through as “uncoiling” the forearm to extend the whole arm through the throw and down across your body.

How to Throw a Softball

Towel Drill Practice

A simple and common throwing practice is the towel drill. Done with a hand towel, t-shirt, or other cloth, the towel drill emphasizes follow through and extension. Instead of throwing a ball, the same motion is used with a short towel or cloth. This can be done with or without a partner, depending on which aspect needs more attention.

Coach Steve from Dominate the Diamond teaches the towel drill to visually, tangibly, and audibly understand where and how your follow through progresses. The towel trails the arm movement and hits (not hard) where the hand ends on the follow through. If done properly, the towel will snap out in front of the player and “land” near the frontside leg. If the “throw” is short-armed, the towel will snap downward towards the elbow.

Coach Steve explains how the towel drill helps players understand if they are extending through the throw and not stopping short. If that is an issue, he suggests having a teammate hold out their glove as a target; aim to have the towel’s end hit the glove to practice extending through and not stopping a throw prematurely.

Corrective Throwing Drill | Towel Drill

 

Conclusion

When you protect your body with proper mechanics, it returns the favor by optimizing your throwing potential. That is why it is important to practice good follow through procedures. It makes throws faster by 2-3 miles per hour but also taps into the biological throwing arm motion. Allowing the arm to complete its natural movement, dictated by the shoulder tilt and arm angle, you prevent injuries and improve your skill.

A tried-and-true exercise is the towel drill, which can be done alone or with a partner. This visual, tangible, and auditory drill highlights areas that need work and encourages good form. Remember to take it slow and ensure your other mechanics remain the same; the only difference is holding a cloth instead of a ball. Record yourself doing this drill to make sure you are fully extending and reaching your arm all the way through to the opposite side of your body. And of course, use the resources here to understand the what and how of precise follow through techniques.


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