GRIP
1. Make sure the grip is a 4- seam fastball grip and the ball is not choked back into the palm. Between the time the player catches the ball and the time his arm is in the cocked position, he should have the ball in a 4-seam grip. (He should practice that grip everyday as he plays catch until it becomes automatic.)

FEET
2. Feet- Look at the feet first. Often when a player makes a throwing error it is because he didn't have his feet set properly. The anklebone of his throwing-side foot should be pointed at the target (closed). The lead foot should land slightly (10º) closed and pointing at the target.

ARM ALIGNMENT
3. Arm alignment- Both arms should be aligned with the head and shoulders. (If he were a pitcher, his arms would be aligned with second base.)

ELBOW
4. Elbow shoulder high- Whether he has the arm action of a pitcher or outfielder or catcher or infielder, his elbow should be at shoulder- height the instant before he brings his arm forward.

LEAD ARM
5. Lead arm- The lead arm should be shoulder high also and aligned properly. The lead arm elbow can be pointed at the target. Whether or not the elbow is pointing at the target, it should be shoulder-high.

EXTENSION
6. Extension- The ball is released out in front of the head and not beside the head. The fingers remain on top of the ball and do not flop off to the side. The arm snaps to full extension.

SMOOTH FOLLOW THROUGH
7. Smooth follow through- Finish the throw with a smooth fluid motion and the head out over the front foot.

Tips:

· As the hand leaves the glove, keep the thumb underneath the baseball and the fingers on top.

· The hand, arm and elbow form a slightly expanded 'L' with the baseball facing back. · Do not open up or throw the baseball until the front foot has landed.

· Keep the front shoulder pointing at the target until the front foot lands. · Release the ball at full extension. The grip should be 4-seam

· Look to see if the lead shoulder is closed when the player's front foot lands. It is common for a player to 'open' his front side too early, resulting in added stress on the arm and inaccurate throws.

· Teaching a player to throw correctly is one of the most important things a coach can do. Pay close attention to arm action. Common faults are hooking the ball, low elbow, turning the wrist, improper 'cocked position', flailing, long arming, wrist inside the angle created by the elbow and 'pie throwing'.