Secret Drill No One's Talking About | Towel Drill

Introduction
If you're looking for a secret weapon to boost your pitching performance, it might be hiding in your bathroom! The Towel Drill is one of the most underrated and effective tools for building hand speed, enhancing arm mechanics, and staying injury-free. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a towel and some space to practice. Let’s break down how this simple drill can transform your pitching game.

What Is the Towel Drill?

The Towel Drill is designed to improve your mechanics and increase hand speed. By practicing this motion with a towel, you can replicate your throwing movement without the added strain of a baseball. This helps you focus on key aspects like follow-through, arm positioning, and creating explosive hand speed to boost your velocity. And yes, any towel will work!

Setting Up the Towel Drill

Here’s how you get started:

1. Glove and Arm Positioning:
   Start by bringing your glove up to a 90-degree angle, while your throwing arm is placed in a “high-cock” position—your hand should be above your shoulder. You’ll also want a slight bend in your knees with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

2. The Shuffle:
   Next, take a shuffle step by moving your back foot forward, followed by your front foot, in a quick motion towards your target. This replicates your momentum from the mound.

3. Focus on Mechanics:
   After the shuffle, pull your front elbow back and bring your glove straight to your chest. Extend your throwing arm over your front foot, making sure to keep your fingers on top of the "ball"—or towel in this case.

The Whip Effect

The goal of the Towel Drill is to generate a snapping or whipping sound with the towel at the finish. This noise signifies that you're moving your arm fast enough, with the proper follow-through. Here’s how to achieve that:

• Extend fully over your front foot.

• Keep your fingers on top of the baseball/towel.

• Snap through to the finish line, ensuring your arm stays fast and controlled.

If done correctly, you’ll hear a distinct “whip” sound from the towel. This confirms that you’re accelerating your hand speed properly.

Why Hand Speed Matters

Hand speed plays a crucial role in velocity. By practicing the Towel Drill, you're not only training your arm to move faster, but you’re also increasing blood flow, which improves recovery. Perform this drill for 1 minute straight, pushing for as many repetitions as possible. Over time, tracking your reps will give you a clear indication of progress.

When to Use the Towel Drill

One of the best things about the Towel Drill is its flexibility. It can be incorporated into a number of training routines, but it’s best to use it on a day when you're not throwing a baseball. The drill can be intense on your arm, so treat it as a separate workout to maximize its benefits.

Advanced Variation: Directional Towel Drill

If you’re ready for more, you can move on to a more advanced version of the towel drill, which focuses on improving your direction to the plate. All you need is a towel, a glove, and a mound—or just a flat surface.

1. Set-Up:
   Start in your stretch position with your hands together. Lift your leg and break your hands as if you're pitching, aiming to whip the towel directly at an object in front of you (a trash can or partner works great here).

2. Target Focus:
   Make sure your towel moves in a straight line towards the target. If it veers off to the side, you’re not staying on top of the baseball. As you get better, move the target further away, tracking how much distance you can gain while still being accurate.

Tracking Your Progress

To ensure you’re improving, it’s important to track your progress. Measure the number of reps you can achieve in a minute or the distance you can throw with the towel. The more you practice, the more you’ll notice your hand speed and accuracy increasing.

Final Thoughts: Is the Towel Drill Right for You?

Whether you’re a seasoned pitcher or just starting out, the Towel Drill offers a low-impact, high-benefit way to improve your mechanics and velocity. It teaches you how to throw efficiently while minimizing strain on your arm. Give it a try, track your results, and watch as your arm speed and pitching performance improve dramatically.

Conclusion
Sometimes, the simplest tools provide the greatest benefits. Incorporating the Towel Drill into your routine can significantly increase your velocity and fine-tune your pitching mechanics. All you need is a towel, some dedication, and a desire to throw harder and more efficiently. Start today and take your game to the next level!