Breaking the Short Arming Habit in Young Throwers: Expert Advice

Question
I have an eight year old player on my team who cannot break his short arming habit. We work on throwing form a lot and he keeps going back to his short arming. Any advice.

Answer
Hey Mike,

This answer will probably seem simplistic but I'd suggest long tossing.  Alot of times we focus too much on mechanics when we might be able to get the kids to do what we ask by simply changing the way we approach them.  If you ask a player to long toss, they will more than likely "reach back" for everything they have.


The other alternative is to make him brush his hip with the ball coming down and back for a long arm circle.

Hope that helps.

Pat