2 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I've heard of fly cast instructors using that trick. Letting the tool do the work is good advice too. 

An old fly fisherman friend of my dad taught me that trick 50 yrs ago.

When learning an overhand cast use your forearm & wrist not your shoulder.

When using the shoulder you tend to over power the rod.

Thanks, everybody! It is a very stiff MH rod, I'll maybe pick up a more flexible rod soon...

14 hours ago, juicebass said:

You can't throw a baitcast as far  as a spinning rod, you have to use less of a Hail Mary fling, and more of a tight strong snap shot, if that makes sense.. Your probably over throwing because you're trying to get the same distance as you would a spinning rod.. And you won't be able to

This is not really true. Same bait, line, rod raiting and a baitcaster will outcast the spinning setup with a proficient user. It will also cast with less effort and more accuracy. 

To the OP. When I was learning, I found out that a quick wip motion worked best for me overhead. I had the same issue when I started with baitcasters.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/cast-adjust-baitcast.html

The ol news paper thing should help.

You cant throw it overhand very far without releasing it behind your ear. Release it well behind your ear and follow through, try and be fluid doing it. Start by casting rainbows and then apply some power decreasing the arc and increasing distance. This is all for over the top casting mind you. Its easier to load the rod 3/4.