Just an interesting note about side arm throwing

[canyonjoe]

Just wondering if he meant that he isn't requiring masks for non pitchers or was he saying he doesn't think you should wear if you aren't pitching? The phrase non needed can mean several things.

 

[Ken Krause]

This thread amuses me. Last winter I actually worked with an infielder to learn how to do the "sidearm" or arm slot throw. She was winding up like an outfielder. It worked for her too - she took over the SS position on her team, where she hadn't really been given a look before. Not necessarily just because of this, but the faster release helped.

 

[_MIA_]

Lol! I love this thread. Earlier this week DD was scolded in practice for doing this exact thing. Some background.... I have been a travel ball coach for several years. Currently coaching a combination 18u/23u team with several girls currently playing in college. I helped the high school program the last couple of years as a volunteer assistant. I told the head coach in the fall that I was unable to continue in that role due to my work schedule, so she hired another coach to fill the slot. Apparently this new coach feels that different arm slots should never be utilized under any circumstances. DD was taking some ground balls at 3b when the coach asked the players to 'turn 2'. Ground ball directly at her, she fielded it cleanly, and quickly threw to 2nd base with a near side arm type slot (exactly how I would do that particular throw). This is something we have been working on since 12u. Anyway this new coach proceeded to make his point. "That's the worst arm angle I have ever seen!! I know several college coaches and they would never even look at a player that throws like that." DD just shrugged it off. Personally, I found the story amusing when she told me about it. I agree with your assessment of the arm angles and teach them the same way. It is important for the fielder to assess the situation prior to the throw and adjust as needed to make the play. Thanks for sharing. This definitely brightened my day!!

So over the top for slow rollers, DPs,etc?? Lol..has the guy ever watched a MLB game?

 

[FP26]

So over the top for slow rollers, DPs,etc?? Lol..has the guy ever watched a MLB game?

DD has told me several things this guy has said at practice. And to be honest, very little surprises me.

 

[Drakemir]

Just wondering if he meant that he isn't requiring masks for non pitchers or was he saying he doesn't think you should wear if you aren't pitching? The phrase non needed can mean several things.

typo'd - he said that a mask wasnt necessary for "non pitchers"

 

[Rolling Hard]

DD plays second. She throws side/3/4 arm all the time on a grounder, especially with a fast runner. Third charging a bunt, short stop fielding a ball and going to 2nd. All kinds of times when it is appropriate imo.

Now on to the side rant. ..Did you tell DD to wear the mask and just nod and say dad says I am wearing it? DD's teeth costed around 4k to straighten with braces. Until coach is footing the bill, he doesn't decide if dd is protecting her face or not.

I am resurrecting this post because I notice 2 or 3 players on our team not wearing their fielding mask. Just so happens to coincide with starting HS ball. Really locks my jaws that ignorant these coaches would prescribe and suggest that wearing a fielding mask make the player appear to be afraid of the ball. Perhaps the stockcar racers should forgo their safety harnesses and fire suits too! I mean doesn't those harnesses and fire suits make them appear to be afraid of a little accident. Oh, BTW, those hockey players that wear mask look like sissies too!

I will take the other side of the coin and claim wearing a mask can and will make the player more fearless and confident fielding those hard-hit pea shots.

Note to these old school dummies. The bats are hotter, the balls are harder, pitchers throwing faster and EVs are up. Now is the time for you guys and gals to come out of your cave and evolve. Safety is not a dirty word.

 

[warbird]

I am resurrecting this post because I notice 2 or 3 players on our team not wearing their fielding mask. Just so happens to coincide with starting HS ball. Really locks my jaws that ignorant these coaches would prescribe and suggest that wearing a fielding mask make the player appear to be afraid of the ball. Perhaps the stockcar racers should forgo their safety harnesses and fire suits too! I mean doesn't those harnesses and fire suits make them appear to be afraid of a little accident. Oh, BTW, those hockey players that wear mask look like sissies too!

I will take the other side of the coin and claim wearing a mask can and will make the player more fearless and confident fielding those hard-hit pea shots.

Note to these old school dummies. The bats are hotter, the balls are harder, pitchers throwing faster and EVs are up. Now is the time for you guys and gals to come out of your cave and evolve. Safety is not a dirty word.

DD is a Senior in HS this year. Will go on to play in college and plans on wearing a mask at SS for as long as she plays. Never one time in her career has she come to me and said "Dad, I was unable to make that play because I was wearing a mask."

 

[Butch18507]

My DD was pitching in a 12U Rec game, took a hard hit one hopper square in her mask. She was shook up a little but finished the inning and on her way in she said, dad I promise I will never ask again to not wear my mask. I wouldn't let any of our girls in Rec or TB go on the field without a mask. Just isn't worth the risk!

 

[Rolling Hard]

DD is a Senior in HS this year. Will go on to play in college and plans on wearing a mask at SS for as long as she plays. Never one time in her career has she come to me and said "Dad, I was unable to make that play because I was wearing a mask."

Of course she didn't say that and thank God she never has had a neanderthal coach suggest that wearing a mask makes her look like she is afraid of the ball. And if a coach ever does suggest that hopefully she will strong response.

Coach: Jenny, we don't really like to wear mask on this team....make you look like you're afraid of the ball. You're not afraid of the ball, are you Jenny?
Jenny: No, actually not at all Coach. In fact, (dummy) I strongly believe that wearing a mask makes me more fearless out on the field. When wearing my mask I don't have to worry about my nose being broken or eye socket crushed in or damaging my beautiful smile (flash a smile) my loving parents paid $4000 for me to have. Do you like my smile?

 

[Hawk_]

I played 2nd from about 3rd grade until I got hurt in college. I would say 90% of my throws were side arm in my career. That's the proper slot for most plays from 2nd base side of the field. Turning two when you beat the ball to the bag and then take a back step to get out of the runner's path.....and deep in the hole to the right that's about all my over the top throwing.