How to Throw Balls Farther

The techniques needed to throw a ball farther are similar in any sport. The major exception is a football, which requires you to hold the ball slightly behind its center point and spread you fingers farther than you would with a baseball, for example. Physical fitness and strength are critical in throwing a ball far, as the power you generate will determine the velocity and, ultimately, the distance the ball carries.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stretch your throwing arm by pointing it across your chest and pushing the elbow into your chest with your opposite hand. Hold it there for 15 seconds. Reach your throwing arm behind your head with the hand behind your neck and push on your elbow with your opposite hand toward the ground. Hold it for 15 seconds. This will loosen the shoulder tendons. A loose arm is able to propel the ball farther than an arm that is tight because it can better extend to create momentum. Make sure your arm is warm and loose.

    • 2

      Stand up and hold the ball firmly in your throwing hand. Put the opposite hand in front of your body. Hold the ball beside your your hip and slightly turn your body toward the ball. Holding the ball beside your hip will allow you to throw it farther than a regular throw, which start at your shoulder.

    • 3

      Bend your knees slightly. Quickly rotate your weight toward the ball by swinging your torso and shoulders. Bend the elbow of your non-throwing arm and propel this arm toward the target when you throw the ball, which is needed in a farther toss.

    • 4

      Lift the leg on the opposite side of your throwing arm and then swing your entire body in the direction of where you are throwing. Stretch the opposite arm to your throwing arm forward with the fluid motion. Lifting your leg will allow you to throw the ball farther than a regular throw.

    • 5

      Release the ball as your forward leg hits the ground. Make sure your toe is pointed forward, as this is needed to throw the ball farther than a regular throw. Let the ball go at approximately 45 degrees into the air.

    • 6

      Start by throwing a few warm-up tosses to a partner. After about five minutes, increase the distance until you are throwing the ball as far as you can and it is reaching your partner on the bounce. This will help you loosen up more and gradually build your arm strength. Starting out with short throws and building up to longer throws is the key to building arm strength.

    • 7

      Practice the long toss three times per week for pitchers and once a week for fielders. Your strength, and the distance of your throws, will gradually increase.