Baseball is a game that has been around for centuries and has been played by millions of people around the world. It is a game of strategy, skill, and athleticism, and one of the most important aspects of the game is the pitchers. Pitchers are the ones who throw the ball to the batters and set the pace of the game. While most pitchers throw the ball overhand, there are some who throw underhand, but why don’t more pitchers throw underhand?
Benefits of an Underhand Throw
Speed: An underhand throw is usually faster than an overhand throw, as the arm is moving faster and the ball is released closer to the batter. As a result, the ball is harder to hit, as the batter has less time to react. This can be beneficial for pitchers who rely on speed to get batters out, as the ball will get to the batter faster, making them more likely to miss.
Accuracy: An underhand throw is usually more accurate than an overhand throw, as the arm motion is shorter and the ball is released closer to the batter. This can be beneficial for pitchers who rely on accuracy to get batters out, as they can be more precise with their location and movement on the ball.
Control: An underhand throw has more control than an overhand throw, as the arm motion is shorter and the ball is released closer to the batter. This can be beneficial for pitchers who rely on control to get batters out, as they can more easily control the speed and movement of the ball.
Drawbacks of an Underhand Throw
Injury Risk: An underhand throw puts more strain on the arm than an overhand throw, as the arm is moving faster and the ball is released closer to the batter. This can be detrimental for pitchers who are prone to or are at risk for arm injuries, as the added strain can increase their risk of injury.
Limited Range of Motion: An underhand throw has a limited range of motion, as the arm is moving in a straight line and the ball is released closer to the batter. This can be detrimental for pitchers who rely on movement to get batters out, as they will have fewer options for movement on the ball.
Stamina: An underhand throw requires more stamina than an overhand throw, as the arm is moving faster and the ball is released closer to the batter. This can be detrimental for pitchers who rely on stamina to get batters out, as they will have to throw more pitches to get the same result.
Reasons Why Pitchers Don’t Throw Underhand
- Tradition: Overhand throwing has been the traditional way to pitch for centuries, and many pitchers are reluctant to change from an approach that has been successful for so long.
- Style: Overhand throwing is seen as the “cool” way to pitch and many pitchers are unwilling to change their style for fear of being seen as “uncool”.
- Fear of Failure: Pitchers may be reluctant to try something new for fear of failure, as they may not be able to control the ball or hit their spots as well as they could with an overhand throw.
- Lack of Knowledge: Many pitchers may not know how to throw an underhand pitch, as it is not taught as often as the overhand throw.
How to Throw an Underhand Pitch
Throwing an underhand pitch is an acquired skill and takes practice to master. Here are some tips to help pitchers learn how to throw an underhand pitch:
Step 1: Grip the Ball
The first step to throwing an underhand pitch is to grip the ball correctly. The grip should be tight, with the index and middle fingers slightly spaced and the thumb in the middle. The ball should be held firmly but not too tightly.
Step 2: Arm Motion
The next step is to practice the arm motion for the underhand throw. The arm should move in a straight line and the ball should be released as close to the batter as possible. The arm should be loose and relaxed, with the elbow pointing down.
Step 3: Release Point
The final step is to practice the release point for the underhand throw. The release point should be closer to the batter than for an overhand throw, as the ball will be released closer to the batter. The release point should also be lower, as the ball will be released closer to the ground.
Conclusion
Pitchers do not throw underhand as often as they throw overhand, but there are some benefits to throwing underhand. An underhand throw is usually faster and more accurate than an overhand throw, and it can also help pitchers with control and movement. However, an underhand throw also puts more strain on the arm and requires more stamina, so it is not suitable for everyone. Pitchers should assess their individual needs and abilities before deciding whether an underhand throw is right for them.