Baseball Fielding: Outfielder Throwing Technique

An outfielder throws a little differently than the other positions on the field. Pitchers parallel outfielders, but infielders and catchers throw completely different. At the beginning of any discussion regarding throwing for an outfielder has to begin with the way that you grip the ball.

As youngsters, we have been taught to grip across the seams but did we ever know why this was important? An across the seam grip is one where we grip across the 2 wide seams, almost like a horseshoe. The reason we do this is because it actually allows the ball to travel a little bit faster when it is thrown in that way.

And this is why! The baseball is in an air pocket, meaning the air travels around the ball and creates a pocket and as that happens, it allows the ball to travel through the air a little bit easier. In fact, it allows the ball to travel through the air at 2-4 miles per hour faster than if you didn’t grip the ball across the seams. If you grip with the seams, you don’t get that air pocket effect.

So, let’s talk about what you need to work on with your outfielders, in order to take full advantage of whatever arm strength he has.

When the outfielder makes the move to throw, he splits the glove and drops his throwing hand down below the waist, moving down, back and up in a circle, and then releases the ball. That movement down allows an outfielders arm to gain velocity. And that velocity gain translates into a faster throw.

Also, always point the shoulder, hip and knee at your target.

When the arm is back, the glove hand should be extended and the fingers should be on top of the ball.

Tuck the glove back to the chest and the arm to a 90 degree angle to begin the throw. The tuck of the glove will help add even more speed to your throw, as you help to pull the arm through. When your throwing arm reaches the 90 degree angle, your fingers should be behind the ball in a four seam grip.