AboutJohn Priest Expertise I currently work for the Nokona Baseball Factory as the Baseball Fudamentals expert. I design all training programs and work closly with the major league baseball players. I can answer all questions regarding baseball fundementals from the little league to the professional level. I have the most knowledge in hitting mechanics and fundamentals and the development of power and batspeed. I can also answer all questions for catchers, pitchers, infielders, and outfielders. I also have experience coaching at the high school and AAU levels.
Experience I am currently the Nokona Batman (www.nokonawreckingcrew.com). I am the baseball fundamentals expert for the company. I have played through college, and semi pro baseball. For the past 10 years I have been doing instruction for all age and ability levels. Numerous clients of mine have gone on to play in college and some are playing in the minor leagues.
Publications I produce all baseball fundamental publications for the Nokona Baseball Factory.
Education/Credentials I am currently back in school to finish my major.
Question QUESTION: Two year ago, I was playing entirely infield, my coaches changed my arm slot
to about 75. Now they are converting me to an outfielder, because of my
speed. This is the first time I've really played infield for any length of time,
I'm in high school. I now need to change my arm slot and throw more over
the top then I do now. How should I go about this? Should I just throw a lot?
All I really need to do is get my throw better and I will secure a starting spot
because of my speed and bunting ability, my coaches love to bunt. All help
would be appreciated.
ANSWER: David,
I don't believe you have to change your arm slot because of a position change. the outfield position will have a longer arm swing than the infield positions because outfielders have more time to release the ball. As long as you get on top of the ball with your release and the ball get good rotation with no tail to it than the arm angle should not matter.
If you do want to change your arm slot repetition will help. Don't throw all the time because that is bad for the arm. Make sure your throwing partner nows what you are trying to do so he can spot the times you are not correct. Go through your throwing motion in front of a mirror (without a ball). This will let you see where your arm is and get a feel of were it should be. The sooner you get a feel of the difference between over the top and 3/4 you will be able to correct this on your own.
Thank You,
John Priest
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Is there any way I can get rid of the tail that I have with my throw currently?
That would be the best and easiest thing to do I think.
Answer David,
The tail can come from your grip, your release, or not staying on top of the ball. If you are gripping the ball like a two seam it will tail so be sure all your throws are griped by a four seam. The release and staying on top are related. Make sure that your arm angle allows you to stay on top and when the ball comes off your fingers you feel the snap from both fingers. If the ball twists out of your hand you may get a tail. When you release the ball you want it to rotate back (12:00 to 6:00). If you get this rotation the ball will not tail.
The first way to get rid of the tail is to correct anything that you do that was explained above. To practice this you can put a black piece of tape around the center of the ball. When you grip the ball with a four seam grip the tape will be in between your first two fingers. If thrown properly with good rotation you should be able to see the tape spinning straight. If the tape wobbles then you will immediately know that you didn't stay on top with your release or you spun the ball on the release. This is the easiest and cheapest way of correcting this problem. If this doesn't work or you want more options let me know.
