The underhand throw is easier to perform, but it is rarely efficient. Most baseball players only make an underhand throw in short-distance situations, such as to toss the ball to a baseman for an out.The overhand throw is preferable for several reasons. It can achieve the distance overhead that an underhand throw cannot, and it can be thrown at much higher speeds. This allows overhand throws to travel greater distances, such as from an outfield player to an infielder, even to the catcher. Throwing overhead is a simple and fundamental skill in baseball.
Step 1
Take the ball in three fingers on one hand: the thumb, the index finger and the middle finger. The middle and index fingers will grip the ball on its topside and be splayed apart from one another. The thumb will support the baseball at the middle of its underside.
Step 2
Turn your body sideways so that the shoulder and elbow of your non-throwing arm are pointed toward your throwing target. Your eyes should be fixed on the target. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart and be on a line pointed in the direction of your target.
Step 3
Wind up your pitch by bringing the ball straight back, with your throwing arm extended out from your shoulder. Your non-throwing hand should be stretched out in the opposite direction toward your target, causing your body to form the shape of a lowercase "T."
Step 4
Bend your throwing arm at the elbow to start your throw. Your upper throwing arm should remain vertical as the forearm bends and brings the the ball horizontal to your ear, forming a 90-degree angle in your elbow.
Step 5
Step toward your target with your front foot and rotate your hips and shoulders to bring your chest around toward your target. You should also begin pulling your throwing arm around, increasing the velocity on the ball.
Step 6
Bring your non-throwing arm in toward your body as the throwing arm extends toward your target.
Step 7
Release the ball and put spin on it by flicking your wrist downward. The ball will be free at this point. Continue through your throwing motion, letting the arm drop down, still in extension. Your back leg should lift off the ground from the momentum.
Tips and Warnings
- You can change the angle of the ball's travel and how high overhead the ball goes by adjusting your release point so that you release the ball at a higher position in the air.
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