1. Sidearm Differences
The mechanics of the side arm pitch are much the same as the overhand pitch. You want to get the proper leg drive and balance on every pitch. The obvious difference is where the pitcher releases the pitch. This change in release point also effects the body angle of the pitcher after he throws the side arm pitch. With the side arm delivery a pitcher's momentum is going towards the pitching hand side of the mound. Another difference from the traditional delivery is how each pitch moves. For instance, a fastball will be rising as it leaves the pitcher's hand whereas in traditional delivery the fastball is falling as it heads to the plate.
2. Easier on the Joints
If you can find the right arm slot to throw side armed from it is actually less stressful to the shoulder joint. The main reason you do not see as many side arm pitchers is that there are more moving parts to this pitching delivery than the overhand pitch. However, if a pitcher can master the mechanics and remain consistent with the delivery, they can have a longer pitching career than traditional pitchers.
3. Variation of the Pitch
The side arm pitch has several variations. You determine these variations by how close the pitching hand comes to ground on the release of the baseball. On the pitch where the hand almost touches the ground, that variation is the submarine side arm pitch. On a three-quarters side arm pitch the arm is roughly twenty-five percent of the way off the ground or three quarters away from the traditional overhand delivery. The final variation is the true side arm pitch where the pitcher releases the pitch even with his waist.
4. Rarely Seen
One major advantage to pitching side arm is that hitters do not see this type of delivery very often and can have difficulty locating and hitting the sidearm pitch. For example, the right-handed side arm pitcher releases the ball to the outside of a right-handed hitter and the ball will then move across the plate. In an overhand delivery, the pitch comes straight at the hitter and he can adjust more easily to the pitch.
5. Not for the Young
Throwing sidearm in baseball is not for everyone.Younger players that have yet to reach puberty are especially vulnerable to injuries and should refrain from the side arm delivery especially if there is any pain during this motion. All that said this pitching motion could increase a pitcher's velocity, accuracy and reduce the chance of injury in the long-term so when the pitcher matures they can attempt the sidearm delivery.
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