Over-Arm Throws

The need to use the over arm throwing action correctly
Last week we saw how the over arm throw was executed. This week, let’s see why it is important that each of those actions (in the technique discussed last week) are carried out correctly. Why…

Suck the ball with both hands towards the chest?
It helps to keep soft hands and the tendency to grab the ball is curbed.

The elbows of both arms are horizontal, with the ball facing downward?
If the elbows are below the shoulder, then the throwing action will be side arm or under arm. Also the fielder will not get the required distance and power in the throw.

Front foot steps towards the target?
It is the first movement for getting the direction and throwing action correct.

Shoulders, hips and feet are in the same plane and aligned in the direction of the target?
All the forces are in same direction, hence getting body-weight behind the ball, and injuries to the lower back can be avoided.

Digging of the front elbow into the side of the body?
The speed of the throwing arm is dictated by the speed of the front arm. Hence, quickly digging the front elbow into the side of the body shortens the lever of the front arm thus generating speed.

Throwing arm traces a question mark?
This ensures that the ball is released with a high arm action – from up downward.

The ball is released over the front foot?
It ensures that the ball is released with high arm action. If the front foot moves across the body, then the body pivots across the front foot and the throw would be with a side arm action. Getting accuracy becomes difficult and it also puts a lot of pressure on the elbow. Many players often complain of tennis elbow because of this.

When releasing the ball try to impart maximum backspin?
It helps the ball carry a fair distance.

Keep the palm of backhand behind the ball and in the direction of target, flick the fingers down after ball is released?
Ensures that the body weight follows behind the ball. Remember body weight in the direction of the target gives you accuracy.

The throwing arm and the back leg follows through over the front foot in the direction of the target?
The reason is the same as above.

Always throw the return to the wicketkeeper on the full?
Returning on the full will keep the wicket keeper from getting injured.

Short back swing? Long back swing?
Inside the 30 yards circle, the distance is short and time is of utmost importance. Hence the fielder can return the ball with a short back swing. The long back swing generates more power than the short back swing and it also ensures the maximum distance in minimum time.

With a lot of practice the co-ordination between your upper and lower body will improve. Also practice will bring in the right timing and rhythm, and that in turn will bring accuracy and increase power. It is well said by some coach that the perfect throws begins at the tip of big toe and ends at the tip of the middle finger.