proper hand possition for throwing a softball

Question
Larry,
     I'm coaching my daughters 8u softball team this summer. I have 9 yrs  exp. coaching baseball ( which I know is different)In baseball when a player pulls the ball out of the glove they are tought to have the ball and hand faceing away (towords 2B) from them. I've over heard a softball coach where my son takes hitting lessions telling two of her students that when they pull the ball out of their glove to throw, that they should have the ball and hand faceing their target. If the later is the correct way to throw a softball please explain why so I can teach my players the correct way this summer.
Thank you , Mike Connelly

Answer
I'm not sure I understand the question -- but are we talking about a basic overhand throw? The overhand throwing fundamentals are the same for both softball and baseball so go with your experience.

Normally the player would get the power position as soon as possible (turning shoulder and opening hips to the target) with the glove and ball hand together in a comfortable position close the chest. When teaching beginners it's best to start with simple step by step instructions they can understand.

Here are some basic guidelines to teach your players proper technique. I suggest the "Turn, Look, Step and Throw" method.

1. Turn. After fielding a ball, the player must first turn her body perpendicular to the target. During this transition, the throwing hand retrieves the ball from the glove and grips the ball with the index and middle fingers across the seams of the ball. The thumb will be under the ball, directly on the stitching. Note: Younger players will not be able to grip the ball in this manner, since their hands are not large enough. They will tend to 憄alm' the ball instead, which will be rectified as they get older and larger.

2. Look: The arm comes back as the weight of the player shifts to their back, or throwing-arm, foot. The throwing arm should be flexed at the elbow, not stiff. This part of the skill encourages eye contact with the target player, who needs to know the ball is coming at them. Note: This is especially important with younger players, who will learn not to throw the ball at someone who is not looking.

3. Step: As in most motions, the energy the 憌hole-body' produces far outweighs the results of the action. This action transfers their weight and 憌hole-body' energy from the throwing foot to the target foot. By this time, they should be confident of their target, and the target player is waiting for the ball. This is similar in nature to the weight transfer of the swing.

4. Throw: Let it go and follow through. Before the throwing-arm comes forward, the entire weight of the body is transferred to the forward foot. This transfers energy to the arm and the ball. The throwing arm foot swings forward immediately after delivery and should 憀and in a ready position' as the arm continues downward. The players' body should finish roughly parallel to the target.