starting a 7 year old to pitch

Question
What would be the first basic techniques that I can show my son about pitching? Should they be taught a full wind-up or should I keep it simple?  

Answer
Hi John,

It really depends on how well he can throw.  Most leagues will not let 7 or younger ages pitch.  It is an un-natural act to throw a ball.  It could damage his arm and elbow and that is the concern.  Others think it is never too young to learn the basic mechanics of pitching.  

I won't let my younger kids use a wind-up pitch.  Most of the 7 year olds I've coached did not have the natural ability to perform a simple wind-up.  It would force them to throw harder and could result in problems.

For older kids, what I do is start them with upper body pitching:  arm extended back and then brought forward in an easy motion.  The key is to throw the ball with some accuracy.  

The grip is important to teach:  two fingers spread over the two stiched lines of the ball.  Their hands are smaller, so I allow the placement to be the somewhere between the narrowest and widest portion of the ball.  Most coaches will stick with the traditional two fingers across two seams at the widest portion of the ball.

Once the grip is worked out, have the child extend his arm straight back -- as if pointing the ball in the opposite direction!  You can have him stop at this point and make sure the grip is right:  first two fingers over seams are up and thumb under ball.    

The next step is to get them to bring their arm forward and roll the ball off the first two fingers.  They don't have to have a wind-up...the focus is on accuracy.  Some coaches will tell their pitchers no to cross their arm over their body after releasing the ball.  Tends to make the ball travel straight...so I am told.

So, if your really, really want this child to pitch, I'd take it real slow and just focus on grip, extension, and accuracy.  When he has 2 more years, then start to work on foot placement, balance, leg extension and follow-thru.  

best of luck,

JohnMc