Throwing Side Arm

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  My son is 8 years old and is playing in a little league.  Ever since he started he's thrown very good.  He usually has a far reaching throw and never had a problem throwing overhand.  Now this season started and he's throwing side arm and I can't seem to snap him out of it.  I don't think he's even aware that he's doing it.  I'd like to break him of it before he hurts his arm and because his throw is not at as accurate as it was before.  Thank you.

ANSWER: Hey Lisa,

If your son is throwing from in infield position and is accurate, I wouldn't worry about it.. Actually throwing side arm or three quarter, is more natural then throwing directly overhead.  So if your concern is only that he may hurt his arm, I've heard over and over again that there is nothing to worry about there...
Also, 90% of second baseman throw side arm from second base, so if that is where he plays, then he is in the majority.  Now if he is a catcher, on the other hand, I would discourage throwing from the side.  If he is pitching, start moving him up a little to three quarters... He will be much more accurate, with a little practice.
Does this help you feel better?
Dennis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for answering my questions.  He actually has been playing the outfield.  Can he still get the distance with that kind of a throw?

His coaches more than anyone have been trying to break him of it.  I personally don't think there's anything wrong if he's accurate throwing that way but he's not always.

It helps to have another opinion.

Lisa Lessard

Answer
Hey Lisa,

With your son playing the outfield, I'd have to agree with his coach.  He most likely will NOT get the throwing distance that will be needed to play that position.. He may need to work on throwing at least three quarter. When throwing from the outfield his throws should me no more than 12 feet off the ground, so when he throws a long way, he would never get the distance.  Good Luck!
Dennis