Wrist Snap Drill

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This drill improves the wrist snap to achieve more ball speed, and it improves control of the ball during ball release. One of its main advantages is that it can be done almost anywhere.

Mechanics

a) In the position shown above, rest your forearm on your thigh. Extend the wrist and throwing hand out over the knee.

b) With a fastball grip, cock and snap your wrist to throw the ball straight upward. You may initially hold your forearm down with the other hand to ensure that only the wrist muscles are used, but eventually you must learn to do this drill by relaxing your forearm during the wrist snap,

c) You may use any ball but a weighted softball, like a 1 pound cannonball which can be purchased on-line, is best.

d) Work on increasing the height of the ball as it is thrown (ball speed) and work on controlling where it lands (ball control).

The benefits of this drill are it helps increase ball speed with better wrist snap, improves control by practicing ball release and it corrects improper release.

You should feel the ball roll off the ends of the fingers, feel the laces on the ball as it is released and you should relax your arm muscles as you flick your wrist.

An alternative drill can be used to warm up before pitching. Simply stand, facing your catcher, and with your pitching arm straight down at your side with your hand a little behind your hip. Throw the ball using only your wrist. Do not move your arm! Make sure you are looking at and hitting your target.