In Down Broadway, baseball coach Lefty Dever presents an excellent set of tutorials on the fundamentals of pitching and catching, aimed at players ages 8 to 18. First up is “clearing throws,” a technique designed to keep another player out of the way for a clear shot from behind home base. Multiple camera angles and slow motion enable viewers to see every element in the set-up and sequence of moves for this technique and others, including fastball throwing (both four-seam and three-seam) for left- and right-handers, Little League and Major League (for those 14 and older) styles for throwing a curve ball (again, for both hands), and the art of the change up. Also covered are different stances, snap throws, and athletic gear, with an emphasis on catchers, including a look at the best facemask for visibility and protection. Offering a combination of solid instruction and excellent visuals, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: E, I, J, H, P. (C. Block)
Down Broadway: Pitching and Catching Techniques for the Modern Player
(2011) 50 min. DVD: $24.95. Bobby Woods Productions (dist. by Youth Sports Club). PPR. Volume 26, Issue 6