Infielder's Throwing Sidearm

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Jun 7, 2013
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What's your opinion on throwing sidearm? I've heard some coaches say never do it and others say that on certain plays you get a lot more outs because it's a quicker release.
 
Oct 10, 2011
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I think it's a must for 2nd basemen because of the quicker release and a shorter throw. DD will use it at 3rd in certain bunt situations but overall she tries to throw overhand as much as possible. At a clinic last fall run by several good D1 schools, they told the girls that they better learn to throw sidearm if they want to play at the next level.
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
When playing second base there isn't a need to throw sidearm on a ball hit directly at you. If you are bending at the waist to field the ball on the ground you need to throw it BEFORE you stand up. While this make look side arm you to an observer you have to come over the top with the throw as you are at a 45 degree angle already (at the waist).

If you throw side arm from the fielding position it will be a circus. If you stand up to throw side arm you are too slow.

You might justify a sidearm throw on a deep backhand but this is a rare play as you shouldn't be using a backhand anyways.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
I think you can make a case for it at every infield position with speed on the bases. But it should only be used when truly necessary, not in lieu of a good overhand throw.
 
Aug 9, 2013
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My daughter struggles with this - she's a 2B like mentioned above and learned how to transfer the ball out quick on ground balls and get the runners. When I force her to throw overhand in practice, she tries to fight it.
 
May 7, 2008
8,506
48
Tucson
It isn't exactly side arm. It is an infield throw, and you stay down low. But, this is a good question. I was working with an 8th grader recently at 2nd base and I was telling her to "stay down. Do not stand up" and her mother jumped up and yelled "thank you very much! The coach is making her stand up!"
 
Jun 7, 2013
984
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I have taught my DDs, who pitch and play infield, to throw sidearm. I have gotten some intensely negative feedback from players and coaches. In fact, one experienced coach kind of went behind my back to tell my DDs to throw overhand. I agree that, when you can, you throw overhand. However, I believe that in many situations such as fielding bunts and turning double plays that you can get the ball where it needs to go much sooner if you throw sidearm.
 
Apr 5, 2013
2,130
83
Back on the dirt...
What if they always throw side arm? I have one that throws okay but it's always side arm. I've heard its bad for shoulder and I've seen it cause bad throws so I usually coach them to throw over hand.

I didn't know that players should throw side arm ever. This is news to me (really). Btw she is not second base material.

Sorry to hijack the post but thought it fit in with the topic.
 
Aug 29, 2011
2,581
83
NorCal
It isn't exactly side arm. It is an infield throw, and you stay down low. But, this is a good question. I was working with an 8th grader recently at 2nd base and I was telling her to "stay down. Do not stand up" and her mother jumped up and yelled "thank you very much! The coach is making her stand up!"

what Amy said, there is a right way and a wrong way to make a "side arm" throw.
 

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