Expert: Rick Bundy - 7/19/2009

Question
i am a catcher and i long toss frequently and i have always been told that i need to use my legs to throw... my question is how important are the legs while throwing and long tossing and could you give me ways to incorporate them more because i feel as if i am using all arm?

Answer
Jordan:

Legs truly are important in throwing as well as all other phases of baseball.

Everything starts and builds from the ground up.

Without seeing you throw, it is hard to analyze how much, or how little you are using your legs.  You say you feel like you are using all arm, and that would be your best indicator.

No matter what position on the field you are throwing from, you need to have some flex to your back leg, which helps provide some additional power.

Often young catchers will stand straight up and then throw, with their legs basically locked straight.  That does throw all the effort onto your arm and shoulder.

If you work on coming up, but staying low to throw, it will let your legs provide some power, as well as lowering your take up time, which is always a positive.  You can never be too quick.

If you look on my website, www.theoleballgame.com, go to Baseball Instruction/ Throwing Advanced and Throwing Rookie, you will find some pictures of players making use of their legs, which will provide you a visual to compare to what you are doing.

There is also information on both pages pertaining to the throwing motion and throwing mechanics which may help you some.

Throwing is a very important aspect of the game, and acquiring the proper mechanics is essential to help protect your arm from injury.

Good luck as you go forward.  Take advantage of those legs, they are the strongest muscles you have in your body.

Yours in baseball,

Rick