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italybooze · Little League Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 10

Whats up guys. I play college baseball I throw high 80's consistant 88 89 touch 90. My question is the towel drill safe ? I read a lot of articles showing how the towel drill can make some one lose velocity. My pitching coach at school has us using this drill. What do you guys think ??
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6"0
160LBS
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88-91MPH Fastball
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AugiePitcher · All Star Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 634 Location: Illinois

It depends on when you use the drill. I personally do not believe in doing it before a game. I think that it can tire your arm out before you even start throwing.

However, it is a good drill to do in practice, as it puts less strain on the arm than throwing does, yet it still gives you some resistance to assist you in your mechanical drills.
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kelvinp · Posted: Jan 11, 2009 Post subject:

what is the towel drill
ive never done it
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Roger · Posted: Jan 11, 2009 Post subject:

Like any drill, the towel drill has its place. There are a number of misconceptions about the purpose of the drill. I've heard some say the purpose is to practice "extension" and other say the purpose is to "snapping down". Wrong! And I fail to see how the towel drill will hurt you.

Tom House, they guy who invented the towel drill, teaches it as a total body mechanics drill. In other words, you need to put everything together in order to hit the target with the towel (unless you cheat by doing something like leaping). If you have an inappropriate posture change, you won't get there. If you have a timing problem and open up early, you won't get there. If you lack momentum, you won't get there.

What reason does your coach give you for doing the drill.

Emo · Junior High Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 36

Well this is my first reply on the site. I have enjoyed reading the many sites on the internet about pitching. Steve has done a nice job of opening up the pitching world with his site. I am going on my 16th year in Professional Baseball and my 10th as a Minor League Pitching Coach. I dont see and problems with the towel drill. Like any drill if you change your delivery then there will be a issue. I like guys to have nothing in the hand , but thats personal choice. I have seen alot of guys gain velo with "Shadowing" the delivery. Some stuff I have read online guys think you can loose velo with drill work. Do sprinters loose speed walking??? The towel or shadow drill is to work on the delivery without thinking about location.

Steven Ellis · Posted: Jan 12, 2009 Post subject:

Welcome, Emo. Great advice. Really excited to have you participate in the discussions.

Roger · Posted: Jan 12, 2009 Post subject:

Emo · Junior High Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 36

The rule of thumb is when working mechanics, dont use a ball. When throwing a bullpen ,work on throwing too your spots. I had a pitching coach in my day tell me that I am a "Professional Glove Hitter".

Roger I see your from Phoenix. I grew up there and all my family is there.

Roger · Posted: Jan 13, 2009 Post subject:

I grew up here, my family is here and I still live here. Been here 48 years. I think there is me and one other native still living here. It's a "dry inferno". On Fire

So where did you go to school?

terprhp · Major League Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Posts: 355

dm59 · Administrator Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 1933

AugiePitcher · All Star Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 634 Location: Illinois