Infielder's Throwing Sidearm

[Jojo]

Had open try-outs for our 16u team. Girl showed up to play SS. Had this just horrible sidearm throw where she couldn't hit the broadside of a barn. Head coach told her he liked her for the athlete she was but couldn't use her until she could throw to 1st.
She came back 2yrs later, had honed in her throw, still sidearm, but wow, what a difference perfecting that throw made. She went on to get a scholarship at a top D1 school, got to watch her on TV in the National play-offs.

 

[mann]

This is one of those cases where you can coach the good, right out of the player. Or Create good ones.

of course you should teach the young athletes how to throw sidearm , over the top, front flip , side flip, outfield throws, jump up in the air turn land and throw,.....or, from their butts,
this stuff will get the kids to love the game, show them everything that you can, then learn some more stuff to teach.

They love new things, they can Learn, willingly, and eagerly.
Teach them small drill situations where they might have to use different types of throws.

Back hand? many ways. grounders? many ways.

rant over , peace

 

[#10's Dad]

I hope the 2015 SS knee heals quickly and she is ready to go her freshman year. My daughter and her verbaled the same weekend to her school. She is a very likeable kid who is a stud at SS.

You can call them anything you want but the throw is coming from down low.

That group right there is comprised of a freshman at USF getting considerable playing time and the #1 ranked SS in the 2015 HS class.

The other goofball is my FL JUCO daughter.

The SS will be in the SEC so you guys will get to witness the magic on TV. Some really crazy fielding stuff. Been watching that practice routine for years.

 

[DrPipes]

She will start throwing and fielding within 2 weeks. Coaches, Doctors and trainers all seem happy with the progress so far.

She is a great kid that has an unbelievable work ethic.

Her family is a hoot. It's been a pleasure having my daughter train with them these years.

You guys are gonna have a blast. No doubt Columbia will be a rough place for some of the visitors over the next few years.

 

[Rampage]

what are you guys talking about...sidearm is a must a must if you play infield..pivots and side arm throws are a must. Every ss double play turn should be ATLEAST 3/4 sidearm...any ball to the 3rd baseman to second base is almost always side arm, You guys are way off base here. Its not an extra tool its a must!

 

[Rampage]

Sidearm is the only play sometimes and folks who are against it really don't understand the ever increasing speed of the game.

And this video adds another needed tool...Not only sidearm but also the off foot sidearm through! Nice video!

 

[RetiredCoach]

what are you guys talking about...sidearm is a must a must if you play infield..pivots and side arm throws are a must. Every ss double play turn should be ATLEAST 3/4 sidearm...any ball to the 3rd baseman to second base is almost always side arm, You guys are way off base here. Its not an extra tool its a must!

I am the OP and I totally agree with you. It's amazing the friction I've gotten for teaching side arm throwing to fastpitch players. Just amazing! I've played a lot of shortstop in my day and it is an essential tool.

 

[quincy]

At younger ages I would not teach players throwing sidearm. I might be wrong but I want them squaring up to the base if they are throwing it with any velocity.

If velocity is not an Issue they can throw it anyway they want. One of the drills we do is with a bownet where the catch the ball and toss it into the middle net. I do not care how they toss it as long as they toss it quick and it is a toss.

 

[RetiredCoach]

At younger ages I would not teach players throwing sidearm. I might be wrong but I want them squaring up to the base if they are throwing it with any velocity.

If velocity is not an Issue they can throw it anyway they want. One of the drills we do is with a bownet where the catch the ball and toss it into the middle net. I do not care how they toss it as long as they toss it quick and it is a toss.

Of course, it depends upon the particular kid but before I would teach throwing sidearm the kid must have solid overhand throwing technique. I also teach that sidearm is for use in particular situations and it does not replace overhand throwing.

 

[klamath632]

When I watch videos of Team USA practicing under Mike Candrea and 95% of the girls are throwing sidearm, and he's saying "good, good" that's good enough for me.