Throwing Tips to Up Your Tennis and Rugby Game

If you think throwing is just about hurling a ball hard, think again. A good throw combines grip, stance, timing and a bit of brain work. Whether you’re tossing a tennis ball for a serve practice or firing a rugby pass down the field, the basics stay the same. Below are quick, no‑fluff ideas you can try right after you read this.

Throwing in Tennis: The Grip and Release

Most players grip the ball with the fingertips, not the whole palm. Hold the ball lightly, let your fingers hug it, then snap your wrist forward as you release. This adds spin and boosts control. Try a drill: Stand about three meters from a wall, toss the ball with that fingertip grip, and aim for the same spot each time. Count how many hits you land in a row – it shows whether your release is consistent.

Another easy tweak is your stance. Keep your feet shoulder‑width apart, bend your knees a little, and lean forward just enough to feel the weight shift into the ball. When you swing, push off the back leg, rotate your hips, and let the motion flow through your shoulder to your hand. Practicing this sequence slowly helps you lock in muscle memory, then you can speed it up during a match.

Throwing in Rugby: Power and Accuracy

Rugby passes need distance and pinpoint placement. Start with the ball upright against your chest, elbows close to the body. As you step forward with the opposite foot, rotate your torso and snap the ball out with both hands. The key is a quick, clean release – don’t hold the ball too long or you’ll lose momentum.

Work on a simple drill: Pair up, stand ten meters apart, and pass the ball back and forth using the “quick flick” motion. After a few minutes, add a target like a cone or a teammate’s chest. Notice how tightening your grip a bit before release gives you more power, but loosening it at the release point keeps the ball straight.

Safety matters too. Always warm up your shoulders and wrists with circles and gentle stretches. If you feel any sharp pain, stop and check your technique – often a cramped grip or a locked elbow is the culprit.

Putting these ideas together, you’ll see a clear boost in both sports. A better grip, proper footwork, and a smooth release are the building blocks. Spend five minutes a day on the fingertip tennis drill and the rugby flick drill, then watch your confidence grow on the court and the pitch.