Thread: Side Arm Throwing

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?

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.

Softballgirl,

Check out this thread for help: Throwing

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: Model Fielding ...

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