Expert: John Priest - 7/26/2008

Question
I am 14 and last fall was starting SS, and never made a bad throw, but when I returned this season my throw felt off. It feels like I'm "pushing" the ball instead of letting it roll off my fingers. And i cant throw near as accurate or as fast as before. I've been throwing every day trying to fix the problem, but the throw doesn't become any better. Any tips or throwing drills to help?

Answer
Jake,
Throwing everyday may not be what you need to fix the problem, it may add more stress and make the problem worse.  It only takes 1 throw to lose your release point, and only one throw to get it back.  The problem you have is, you lost the feel of the ball.  Just relax and throw the ball, don't think about it.  I don't believe this is a mechanical problem but if you have pictures or video that you could compare to this year it will rule out any mechanical issues.  Everyone who goes through this say the same thing about pushing the ball and not feeling it snap off the fingers.  Instead of throwing everyday, take ground balls from SS and make your throw.  Be as quick as you can with your footwork and release to not let yourself think about the throw and tighten up.  

Good Luck,
John Priest