Most throwing problems are arm-slot problems. Sidearm throws float. Below-three-quarters throws sail. Over-the-top throws stay on a line. This drill uses a partner as a mirror so the kid sees what their arm is actually doing.
What you need: Two kids, one ball, one glove each.
Setup: Two kids face each other 15 feet apart. No throwing yet.
How to run it:
- Both kids get into throwing position: Turn, Point. Throwing arm up in an L behind the ear.
- Hold the position. Look at each other. Coach checks both arms. The throwing hand should be slightly above the ear, not behind the ear or below the shoulder.
- Hold for 5 seconds. Reset. Do 5 reps of the position only.
- Now play catch. After every throw, the kid freezes at the release point. Their partner says “high,” “low,” or “good.”
- Do 10 throws. The freeze-and-feedback is the drill, not the throwing.
What to watch: The release point. The throwing hand should pass right above the ear. If you can’t see daylight between the elbow and the shoulder, the slot is too low.
If they’re struggling: Drop the freeze. Just have them throw and you call out the arm slot.
If they’ve got it: Add a small target on the wall and have them hit it five times in a row. Same arm slot every time.