Side Arm Throwing

[xsoftballgirlx]

So I'm a grade 8 softball catcher, and for some reason I got into the habit on side arm throwing over the past few years. I have a lot of trouble throwing normally, it just never ends up working out, and I'm more comfortable throwing side arm. Both of my coaches for my school and town team have told me that it'd be best if I threw normally - that'd I'd throw faster, more powerful, and more accurate. They're probably right, I just don't know how to get out of this habit. Anyone else done this?

 

[oswegoponysoftball]

A couple of things. One saying I picked up that worked is "Elbows high, fingers to the sky, wave bye bye, touch the thigh". It works and has helped a sidearm thrower recently. Also, if that does not work ... find a wall and stand besides the wall so that your throwing arm will hit the wall if you throw side arm. Start slowly but make throws over hand (the right way). Once you have worked on this for a while then you can speed up the throwing. You will have to work on this everyday for a while. Don't give up.

 

[Rumble25]

Softballgirl,

Check out this thread for help: http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-fielding/7915-throwing-2.html

Watch the video in the original post then read posts 8 and 10. On page two, FiveFrameSwing comes in and posts some really good slow-motion video. The discussion takes off from there and folks provide some really good information on the proper throwing motion/techniques.

Also, check out this thread: http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-fielding/7770-model-fielding.html

Side-arm throwing isn't necessarily bad...just may not want your catcher doing it.

 

[austinwass]

Softballgirl,

Check out this article I wrote on Throwing Mechanics. There are a few drills to help you establish a higher release point and get your elbow through at a different point.


There are many definitions of "sidearm" so if you have any video of you throwing I would be more than happy to take a look at it for you. Side arm throwing is ok as long as your trunk is tilted as you throw. You may need to throw side arm to first base to pick a runner off so side arm is not necessarily a bad thing as Rumble25 mentioned. Different arm angles and arm slots will happen during a game depending on the play.

There may be some other faulty mechanics going on in your throw in which your coaches are trying to get you to throw overhand. Also, if your velocity is down or if you have pain when throwing side arm then that would be a reason to change.

Email me at austin@abathletics.com if you want me to look at your throwing video.

Thanks