Posted by: tom.guerry (tom.guerry@kp.org) on Wed Feb 26 12:26:48 2003

I know that this is a hitting forum. but in my few short days visiting here i'm impressed with the wealth of knowledge. so, where can i find a breakdown of the mechanics for the perfect outfielder throwing the ball. Much Thanks!!!!
>
> I can't say for sure where you would find this information, but as a former middle infielder, who wished he would have played more outfield in my day, I can say this. Ball flight is key. Teaching youngsters to throw on a line (no side spin) is crucial to accuracy. Equally important is the ability to keep the ball low. You can not have the kids play enough long toss. Core strength, arm strength, elasticity and lower body stability are all pushed to the max with long toss. As a general rule most kids will develop proper throwing mechanics when they have to throw far, in other words their bodies figure out where they need to be. As for outfielders, arm slot and wrist hinge, release point and finger position on the ball during the release become extra important. I have found that having the kids learn to throw to a target (glove on the ground) and have the ball bounce to the person they are playing catch with teach them these skills. The key here is that when the ball bounces it will stay on a straight line with person they are playing catch with. It's a wonderful drill to encourage keeping the ball on a line and impart the correct spin on the ball. Again this is done in long toss.
>
> As for the footwork their are many variations, such as crow hopping, 180 degree turns, etc. There are many books on these issues.
>
> Long toss with a purpose can really elevate anyone's game.
>
> Good Luck Friend

The basic mechanics of the overhand throw are very complex,moreso than hitting or windmill(fastpitch) or even cricket bowling.

The only adequate description I know of is by Paul Nyman at setpro.This info is now available at setpro on a CD.Some info including Nyman's ideas is also available at pitchingcentral.com.,boot camp video or newsletter.

The most similar mechanical models are the buggy whip or the fly rod with a fixed amount of line attached at the tip.(handle of buggywhip like body,whip/fly line like arm).

Nyman describes the basic body sequence of motions as "bow-arch-bow" and the basic torso motions as "flatbed/merrygo round".

These can be mapped to the traditional biomechanical phases(as used in research literature) of the throw(and compared to hitting which I have attempted to do in some posts here).The 5 phases are windup,early cock,late cock.acceleration.and deceleration.

Nyman describes the best way to teach the throw as "backward chaining" which allows the coach/player to "tinker" with the various pieces of the throw and reassemble them in a way that can optimize mechanics.

His ideas are beginning to be accepted by those with an open mind,such as the people he recently did a symposium with-Ron Wolforth of pitching central and Brent Strom,a respected major league pitching coachand House follower) who is now with th Expos.

This is the first time such info has been available to my knowledge.

Nyman has written a very long piece recently on "long toss" and will be publishing another soon.I will try to find that link.Otherwise cruise his website and forum.

The outfield throw is a particular variant of these basic mechanics,most similar to long toss.

The long toss article was posted on www.hsbaseballweb.com around Sept. of last year.