How to Teach Your Kid to Throw a Baseball

Tips and tricks on how to teach your kid to throw a baseball, from the pros.

Introduction

One of the classic summer pastimes is teaching your kids how to throw a baseball. It’s a great way to bond with them while also getting them some exercise. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

The first thing you need to do is make sure your kid is using the proper grip. The most common grip is the “four seam fastball grip.” Have your child place their index and middle fingers along the two laces that run across the seam of the ball, with their thumb under the ball.

Next, you need to teach them the proper throwing motion. Have them start by holding the ball in their glove, and then bring their arm up so their hand is above their head. From there, they should bring their arm down and across their body, releasing the ball at around shoulder height.

Once they’ve got the basic motion down, it’s time to start working on accuracy. Have them aim for a specific target, such as a trash can or a bucket. Once they’re able to consistently hit the target, you can move back further and further until they’re able to hit targets at a distance.

With practice and patience, your kid will be throwing like a pro in no time!

The Grip

There are many different grips that can be used when throwing a baseball, but the most important thing is for your child to be comfortable with the grip they using. Here are some of the most common grips:

Four-Seam Fastball Grip
The four-seam fastball is the easiest pitch to throw, and it is also one of the most effective pitches in baseball. The grip is simple: just put your index and middle fingers along the two seams that run vertically on the ball. For right-handed pitchers, these fingers will be on the right side of the ball; for left-handed pitchers, they will be on the left side of the ball. Be sure that your fingers are not wrapped around the seams, as this will change the direction of spin and make the pitch less effective.

Two-Seam Fastball Grip
The two-seam fastball is slightly more difficult to throw than the four-seam fastball, but it can be more effective because it has more movement. To grip a two-seam fastball, place your index and middle fingers along the seams as you would for a four-seam fastball, but also place your thumb on top of the ball so that it is touching one of the laces. For right-handed pitchers, this thumb should be on the left side of the ball; for left-handed pitchers

The Stance

One of the most important things to correct early on is your child’s stance. The majority of young kids stand too tall or too short when they throw, which makes it difficult to get good leverage and power behind the ball.

Here’s how you can help them find the right stance:
-Have them hold the ball in their throwing hand and place their feet shoulder-width apart.
-Next, have them bend their knees so that their back leg forms a 90-degree angle and their front leg is bent at the knee with their foot pointing toward the target.
-Their rear should be about halfway between standing upright and sitting down, and their weight should be balanced evenly on both legs.
-Finally, tell them to raise their Glove arm so that it points directly at the target.

The Windup

One of the most important aspects of pitching is the windup. The windup sets the tone for the entire pitch, and it’s important to get it right. Here are a few tips to help your child master the windup:

1. Set up in a balanced stance, with feet about shoulder-width apart.
2. Bring the ball up to chest level, and cock your arm back behind you.
3. Transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot, and then bring your arm forward and release the ball.
4. Follow through with your arm after you release the ball.

With practice, your child will be able to perfect their windup and be on their way to becoming a great pitcher!

The Release

One of the most important aspects of throwing a baseball is the release. The release is when the ball leaves your hand and begins its journey to the catcher. There are several factors that go into a proper release, including grip, arm angle, and follow through.

Grip
The grip is how you hold the ball in your hand. There are many different ways to grip a baseball, but the most common is the four-seam grip. To do this, simply place your index and middle fingers along the two seams that run perpendicular to the laces. Your thumb should be placed on the bottom side of the ball, opposite your fingers.

Arm Angle
Your arm angle will determine how fast the ball travels and where it goes. The most common arm angles are sidearm and overhand. Sidearm throws are made with your hand below your shoulder, while overhand throws are made with your hand above your shoulder. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to arm angle, but sidearm throws tend to be more accurate while overhand throws tend to be faster.

Follow Through
Once you’ve released the ball, it’s important to follow through with your throw. This means that you should continue to move your arm in the same direction that you were throwing the ball. This will help you generate more power and accuracy with your throw.

Conclusion

There is no one perfect way to teach a child how to throw a baseball. Different children will learn in different ways, and what works for one child may not work for another. However, by providing guidance and support, and by encouraging practice, you can help your child develop the skills needed to become a successful pitcher.