Fast bowler, age 2!

Mine does this sometimes but DD2 is quite strict and says no firmly and has a "look" which usually stops him - his little face crumples and he cries then a cuddle and a brief explanation. I'm afraid I am a soft touch but Papa isn't so much. He tends to throw when he is cross with a toy or gets over excited. We are training him off his dummy just now and only allowed at bedtime. He is nearly 22 months.

You can say, "No", in a calm way as you take the object being thrown, away from him. Quite acceptable at this age and he will understand. The same time tone you would use if he was, say, going towards a plug socket.
You say that if you take the toys and books away, he has nothing to play with. Give him some soft toys and if he throws them as well, take them off him.
He will soon realise, (probably after throwing a tantrum) that throwing things makes him end up with nothing to play with and should stop.

Can you find a way to redirect him? If he wants to throw things, can you find a way to make it safe for him, such as taking him outside and having him throw balls into a little basketball net or something?

I'd start throwing things at him. Nothing dangerous, of course, just the nearest cushion or blanket. Take away anything he throws. If he ends up with nothing, he might decide to stop.

Ah, it will pass...
They are little for such a short time

No wonder they are called the terrible twos! So much energy and no sense.
My nephew was a child like this and could carry on chucking or doing "naughty" things long after everyone else was worn out.
He was, and is I guess still, a very physical child who did things at 100% full on speed, volume, everything. Ours has calmed down somewhat, He's the father of 3 boys himself.
Good luck!

www.babycentre.co.uk/a1040569/throwing
This is a really good explanation!
Children learn so much by throwing. I have a set of bean bags that are reasonably safe to throw. Also some lightweight plastic golf practice balls (the ones with the holes all over) and drainpipes to roll them down. He'll probably enjoy pouring as well: water, sand, dry oats into containers.
They get more skilled and learn what is and isn't acceptable to throw (eg food isn't), but they do need to be allowed to test this new skill haha.

Great article V3ra and the beanbags are a good idea. Will also look for the plastic golf balls.

I bought mine online from an early years supplier, but they have them at Sports Direct.

When he throws thing inappropriately, just take the object from him and ignore him. Once he realises that throwing things around doesn't attract attention he will stop doing it, especially if you also have throwing and pouring things he can do when he does get a lot of attention.

Thank you fellow Grans and Nannas for you helpful suggestions. V3ra - that article is most interesting and I have tried the tips.
DGS and I had a wonderful 'chucking' session with some foam blocks, then some cushions. He thoroughly enjoyed that, and today at lunchtime he didnt throw his plate.
Who would have thought that actually encouraging him would help to curb the excessive throwing!
I am making some bean bags, for another session, and of course I will gently and firmly tell him 'NO' if he throws anything unsuitable.
Thanks again for the tips, and the reassurance that so many toddlers do this

That's great news! Throwing definitely teaches a child something they need to learn about how the world works.
Put his name down for the cricket club lol