Sidearm mechanics - baseball

pigtailpat wrote in post #5419779
Just got permission of the parent to post.

None required.

He looks like he's throwing a screwball.

Gatorboy wrote in post #5429842
None required.

He looks like he's throwing a screwball.

Gator -

I always ask the parent, because my son plays with these kids, my husband is coaching, and I think it is the right thing to do. Generally, the parents are by and large willing to let me post, because they understand that I am trying to learn by posting, and not exploiting the children for money or any other motive.

Regarding the screwball, can you explain that baseball term to me? What does it mean?

Pat

pigtailpat wrote in post #5429931
Regarding the screwball, can you explain that baseball term to me? What does it mean?

It is spinning the ball opposite of a standard curve ball. A curveball thrown by a right-handed pitcher tails away from a right-handed batter -- a screwball will tail into a right-handed batter.

Gator, that is not actually a screwball that he is throwing. When throwing any ball straight (fastball, change-up, a football), the arm pronates in the deceleration process. This is the movement of rotating the hand counter-clockwise (in a right-hander). If you see a picture of a quarterback releasing and following through, you will see the same movement that you see in this young man.