8U Beginner Throwing Mechanics

Setup

Two players, knees down, 12 ft apart. Glove + 1 ball.

Player instructions

1. Throwing-side knee on ground.
2. Hold the ball with thumb on bottom, two fingers on top.
3. Flick the wrist down and through — generate backspin.
4. 15 throws to your partner.

Coaching cues

Common mistakes

• Pushing the ball
• Wrist locked

Reps

15 wrist flicks each

Setup

Same partners, knees down, ~25 ft apart.

Player instructions

1. Throwing knee down, glove knee up.
2. Reach back and bring elbow above shoulder before throwing.
3. 15 throws.

Coaching cues

Common mistakes

• Short-arming the ball
• Elbow drops below shoulder

Reps

15 reps each

Setup

Players standing, 45 ft apart. Glove + ball.

Player instructions

1. Walk into the throw: step, plant, point glove at target, release.
2. 10 throws.

Coaching cues

Common mistakes

• Front foot lands open
• Throwing across the body

Reps

10 stride throws

Setup

Open field. Partners with gloves. 1 ball per pair.

Player instructions

1. Start at 30 ft, lengthen 5 ft each throw.
2. Stop at 60 ft, throw flat-line catches.
3. Walk back in 30 ft at a time, every throw a crow-hop.

Coaching cues

Common mistakes

• Skying throws
• No crow-hop on return

Reps

10 throws building to 60 ft

Setup

J-bands or resistance band.

Player instructions

1. Full J-band sequence — 10 reps each position.
2. Drink water.

Coaching cues

Common mistakes

• Skipping bands
• Rushing through reps

Reps

3 min, full J-band routine