Expert: John Madden - 10/5/2009

Question
My 9 year old continues to break his throws with a twist of the wrist.  After a year of practicing the wrist snap from a kneeling position, the towel snap to a bucket, 'painting the target',and using a ball with a line through the center(to see ball spin), he still has the twist at the release. He doesn't care for the reminders anymore, so it's become a point of frustration. I've noticed that all the boys on his competitive team have the same habit.  Any tips, drills or advice could go a long way for my boy and his team.  Thanks in advance.  Tom

Answer
Every pitcher is going to throw a little different.  Some have excessive pronation, some have supination (check spelling on that), and others just a slight turn in the wrist at times.  This is what gives us our natural movement.  I have a very strong natural pronation, which means my thumb turns toward my pinky.  I think what you are describing is the other way around.  Almost like your son and his friends are throwing sliders.  If this is a big problem and none of the drills are helping, I would suggest strengthening the wrist and forearms.  This will cause him to be stronger through the release point.  Sometimes kids who don't have enough strength or are just being lazy tend to have loose wrists when they are throwing because it puts less stress on the arm and body.  This may be the case if the drills aren't working.  Here is a great program for strengthening the wrist and forearm and may fix the problem.  Just copy and paste the following:
http://www.yougoprobaseball.com/Pitching365.html
Good Luck and I hope that helps!
By the way you can find other great tips at the main page of that site
www.yougoprobaseball.com
Thanks again!