Unlike making a tackle in football or dunking in basketball, throwing a baseball accurately and with high velocity isn't largely dependent on your size. It helps to have a strong arm, of course, but employing proper throwing motion is equally vital. As you get older and stronger, your arm will become more powerful, a progression you can maximize by spending time early in your career learning the right way to throw the ball.
Grip
Grip the ball across the seams. Unless you're a pitcher throwing breaking balls, you should place your index and middle fingers across the seams near the portion where they begin to arch, and your thumb on the seam below. Hold the ball in your fingertips rather than letting it rest in your palm. Proper grip will keep your throws from tailing or curving.
Body Position
In order to set yourself up for an accurate throw, always point your glove-side shoulder at your target, so that you're standing almost completely sideways. Throwing chest-first will hurt from your accuracy and velocity. Keep your eyes trained on the target.
Triggering the Throw
Your legs provide much of the power behind your throws. When you're ready to begin your throwing motion, stride toward your target. Don't take an over-exaggerated, high stride. Simply lift your leg so that your foot is between 1 and 2 feet off the ground. Using your back leg, drive toward the target while beginning to bring your throwing arm up toward your shoulder.
Arm Motion
As you're beginning your stride, bring your arm back and turn your wrist so the ball would be completely visible to someone standing directly behind you. While driving toward your target, bring the ball forward in an overhand motion, keeping your eyes focused on the glove of the person you're throwing to. Release the ball when your throwing arm is almost perfectly parallel to the ground and snap your wrist for extra backspin and velocity.
Importance of Proper Throwing Motion
Proper throwing motion is also vital in avoiding injury, especially for young pitchers. Failing to use proper leg drive can place added strain on your arm. Additionally, young pitchers should avoid overusing their arms. A 2008 study conducted by sports doctor James Andrews concluded that high school and college players who pitch during eight or more months of the year have five times the chance of suffering arm injuries than those who pitch less often.
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