Sidearm Pitching?

Question

I recently began sidearm pitching and was looking for some tips. When i threw Overhand i threw a 4 seam, 2 seam, curve, change-up, and a 12-6. Put i tried some of those pitches (curve, 12-6) sidearm and they weren't effective. The 12-6 didn't drop and the curve stayed flat. What pitches should i learn to replace those, or what pitches do sidearm MLB pitchers throw?

I am enterering high school next year and my fastball (overhand) goes 54-60 MPH with little movement, my curve goes 45-50 MPH. But when i throw sidearm i have more velocity and movement. THERE ARE NO OTHER SIDEARM PITCHERS, won't this help me make the team if i can pitch effectively from the sidearm position. Not may hitters can time it or hit it. Please offer advice

Answer 1

You don't state your age or level of competition but the overhand fastball and curveball are more effective pitches, when delivered properly, than anything with a sidearm delivery. The sidearm pitches have a tendency to hang over the plate making them easier for the hitter to see. When throwing overhand the pitches come in with a downward motion making it more difficult for the hitter to make solid contact and more ground balls when they do make contact. I would suggest getting some help and work on a better delivery by throwing the ball from the 12-6 position.

Answer 2

Notes on sidearm pitching...
1. It puts more torque on your arm because of the flicking motion in the elbow.
2. You increase your chance of tendonitis in your elbow and shoulder.
3. Different mechanics while pitching.
4. Pitches are usually slower.
5. A lesser pitch selection.
6. Recommended not to throw this way.

Best sidearm pitches...
1. 2-Seam Fastball -- has cutting action which can fool hitters, more effective than the 4-Seamer when thrown sidearm.
2. 4-Seam Fastball -- if thrown right will have a sort riser action to it. (Not as effective as 2-Seam, in my opinion)
3. Slider -- this will be your main breaking pitch, it will look like your 2-Seam when thrown correctly, but with a bigger break and opposite side of the 2-Seam.
4. Circle Change -- any changeup will do, but the circle change will be setup nicely by your 2-Seamer and Slider, use it as your out pitch as it is disguised as the other two but will drop down instead.
5. Slurve -- this is used as your curve ball, however is really slow and if not thrown correctly you will be watching it sail over the fence (not recommended)

The only way to keep a 12-6 hammer is if you stay overhand or high 3/4 release. Curve balls are inneffective sidearm because of the way they need to be thrown. Splitters are the same way. Be careful when throwing sidearm because pitches have a tendancy to just lob to the plate if thrown incorrectly and it will become a meat pitch. My suggestion is to stay overhand to keep more variety of pitches.

As a low sidearm thrower, I use a 2-Seam, Slider, Circle Change. I throw only the 4-Seam, Splitter, Curve overhand because of the motion you need to give them movement.

To your question...the 2 main pitches major league sidearmers throw are some kind of fastball (2 or 4 seam) and a slider.

Answer 3

Without knowing your height, weight, or body type, it's hard for me to suggest how hard you should be throwing. At 13-14, with sound mechanics, your fastball should be much closer to 70 mph.

With my limited exposure to your situation, I would recommend that you concentrate on developing a more efficient overhand delivery.

Sidearm deliveries, especially when developed without the help of someone who knows what he's doing, are more dangerous than overhand deliveries. By design, they are less efficient, less powerful, and, quite often, they are less effective.

If you absolutely "have to" stay side arm, you can pick up a sinker to go with your two-seamer and four-seamer. Additionally, a sidearm circle change can be one of the most devastating pitches there is.

Of course, none of this matters if your arm is too sore or injured to play.

GET A PITCHING COACH!

Answer 4

Don't throw sidearm. This will eventually blow out your arm. If you don't pitch this way all the time you might not get the same velocity out of your pitches. If you really want to throw this way then mix up release point. But don't make it obvious.

Answer 5

i say you should learn how to throw a slider. it is not that hard to learn and from the angle that you are coming from while throwing sidearm, it will have a lot of movement.