Infielder's Throwing Sidearm

[smddad]

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

50% fielding percentage with this video. And you're advocating this?

 

[Cannonball]

I threw side arm all my life on the infield. Watch some MLB and you'll see every position throw side arms at some point in the year. I was a better than average SS and when I caught the ball at SS to turn 2, sometimes my dad would say that it looked like I caught the ball, transferred and threw up hill to the 2B. I don't know. I just wanted to get rid of it fast for that double play. Now, when I was upright and had time, I threw overhand. I think that good teams practice this and have always done so. Once, in a regional championship game, my 3B barehanded the ball, threw on the run and fell down. He got the runner and we won. It was a tremendous play but when asked by the newspaper about his "luck," he told the truth and said that we practice that every day.

 

[softballphreak]

50% fielding percentage with this video. And you're advocating this?

They might be practicing (learning); not showcasing.

You're not always going to be able to set up in a perfect throwing position during play.

 

[sluggers]

So, this kid can't play SS?




Playing the infield above 12U is about getting the ball out of the mitt on its way to 1B as fast as possible. Infielders must throw from the position they are in when they get the ball.

At 14U, infielders should be taught to simply "throw the ball". Do *not* standup. Do *not* adjust your grip. Get the ball out of your mitt and throw the ball.

(As to the video: That is one of the most incredible plays I've ever seen.)

 

[shaker1]

Dang!!!! Hard to see what happened without slowing it down. That's quick hands!!

 

[BuckeyeGuy]

That was a sick play. Damn.

 

[DrPipes]

50% fielding percentage with this video. And you're advocating this?

What are you talking about?!?!?!

All 3 of these girls are playing big time D1 softball.

If you don't get the purpose of this you are harming young players.

This is an essential tool in the 'toolbox'.

Fielding, squaring up and then throwing over hand is an ideal situation which never happens especially as the speed increases.

 

[Ver17]

Is sidearm any faster than Kobata style side throw?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFlhlNK-gEQ

 

[Little Angels Softball]

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!

^^^^^^^ This. ^^^^^^^

Not much I can add. All I will say is that I start teaching it as soon as I pick a new crop of players every four years, which means they are 10 YOs moving up to 12U the following spring.

I will also add that by the time you are a second-year 12U, if you aren't able to deliver the ball from multiple arm angles (with sidearm being a prime one), you aren't playing in my infield.

 

[Greenmonsters]

^^^^^^^ This. ^^^^^^^

Not much I can add. All I will say is that I start teaching it as soon as I pick a new crop of players every four years, which means they are 10 YOs moving up to 12U the following spring.

I will also add that by the time you are a second-year 12U, if you aren't able to deliver the ball from multiple arm angles (with sidearm being a prime one), you aren't playing in my infield.

IMO, you start teaching side arm AFTER they have rock solid overhand throwing mechanics otherwise it significantly delays mastery of both. While it may be normal for Cali, where all the players are above average, consider yourself blessed if you're getting 10 YOs that are ready for side arm.