Fast Ways to Throw Farther

In competitive sports, athletes are constantly looking for ways to improve their skills. In baseball and football, arm strength is one of these important attributes. Baseball outfielders with strong arms can throw out runners; quarterbacks who can throw long distances can connect with receivers behind the defense. There are some quick ways to improve the distance of your throws.

  1. The Proper Angle

    • One of the simplest ways to throw farther in any sport is releasing the ball at the proper angle. Throwing a ball on a direct line will get it there quicker, because it minimizes the distance. Putting too much arc on a throw may help a quarterback clear a defender, but it also results in a shorter throw. The best angle is typically 45 degrees. This provides an equal balance between flight time and forward momentum. Some factors such as wind can affect the proper angle, but in general, throwing a football or baseball at a 45-degree angle will provide maximum distance.

    Long Toss

    • Typically used by baseball pitchers, long toss is an exercise designed to increase arm strength on throws. Players start about 60 feet apart, throwing the ball back and forth. As the arm becomes loose, players gradually increase the distance between them. Players continue until they can no longer reach each other. At this point, players start closing the distance between them. They will find their arms are stronger and throws of short distance are easier to make. A regular long toss program trains the muscles to handle longer throws.

    Muscle Exercises

    • Working with weights is another way to improve throwing distance. Throwing relies on particular muscles in the shoulder and arm as well as a strong core. Targeting these muscles through exercise will help you see immediate improvements in your arm strength. Arm raises, in which dumbbells are raised from your side to shoulder level, provide strength and stability in the shoulder region. Push-ups also provide upper body and arm strength. Bicep curls can also increase throw distance.

    Repetition

    • Perhaps the simplest way to throw farther is to throw regularly. The more you throw, the stronger your arm becomes. Start by stretching out your arm and warming up at short distances. Baseball players can routinely work on throwing to a particular base, which will also help accuracy. Quarterbacks can practice throwing different routes, increasing arm strength and also building a rapport with their teammates. Regular throwing trains the muscles in your arm to provide maximum distance.