How to stop throwing side armed.?

Question

My son is in his sophmore year playing HS football. Backup QB both JV and V. One of his problems is trying to bread the habit of throwing side armed. He has already injured his elbow (I think because of this) and has to lay off the throwing. He also is not that tall 5'11. Does anybody know any tricks of the trade to untrain this bad habit? ...concerned mom

Answer 1

i used to have this problem as well.  the way i broke my side arming is looking at myself in the mirror while i threw.  he should practice throwing overhand until he does it without thinking about it.  another way is to get a ladder or a van and practice throwing over it.  

it wont be easy though, it took me almost a year to stop throwing side arm. it can be very maddening at times.

Answer 2

The easiest, and most effective drill is to have him start with the ball touching the back of his head, and throwing it that way. Also, make sure he is rotating his shoulders, to relieve the pressure on his elbow.

Answer 3

have him practice throwing over top of tall tackle dummies.

Answer 4

I don't agree with the assumption that throwing side arm is causing your son's injuries. If he is trying to throw a curve already, that could be affecting his arm regardless of his throwing style. Also playing two sports year round takes a toll. There have been many successful MLB pitchers who have made their careers throwing sidearm and even underhand. The only thing I would do if I were you is to ask him to choose a sport. Whichever sport he is better in and if he chooses football, then it would serve him better to learn to throw overhand. Good luck

Answer 5

Hang a bicycle tire fairly high on a tree and have him practice throwing a football through the tire.