Why is it bad for a Qb to throw side-arm? Why do coaches want to change the delivery?

Question

Why is it bad for a Qb to throw side-arm? Why do coaches want to change the delivery?

Answer 1

I assume you are talking about Colt Brennan?  I think the main problem with it is that poor mechanics can lead to injury.

Answer 2

it's funny, i can only throw my 20 yrds and under side armed, because i put a lot more zip than my regular throw. mainly, it's too easy to deflect or intercept if done wrong. also, it's untradtional. i always got chewed up by my coach, even if it for a touchdown, he hated it.  

Answer 3

dlineman can knock it down easier

Answer 4

Throwing too much side arm gives you golfers elbow in general..

which is more in the middle of the elbow in comparison to tennis elbow..

if this is continually done, then he may only be able to throw side arm, and no longer over arm..

but depends on the technique etc.

i have had to change my throwing action to a higher elbow.. (above shoulder works well)

Answer 5

Too easy for those six foot eight monsters to slap the ball down at the line of scrimmage.

Answer 6

B/c when they get older their shoulder and elbow will have problems and they won't be able to properly throw over the d or o lines.

Answer 7

Several reasons:

1.  An over-the-top delivery makes you more capable of consistently getting the ball over the defense

2. Even more importantly, when that's your natural throwing style it will take your mind off thinking about having to "throw through the gaps" and allow total focus on proper technique and getting the ball to your receivers at the precise time, with the appropriate touch for the pattern called.  

3.  It is much easier for your receivers to "pick up" the ball when it's coming over the top.  

4.  It is easier to pick off a sidewinder because the ball starts closer to the ground, and more people have a shot at intercepting it.

5.  To be an elite quarterback at the pro and major college level, you simply have to be able to throw the deep out - the toughest pass in football, but an essential one against top programs and their sophisticated coverage schemes and exceptional DBs. You'll get more "on the ball" in distance and velocity with an over the top delivery because of the full range of motion with your arm working in sync/same direction forward with your legs and proper footwork.  

If you don't believe this, study pitchers.  I don't know of any submarine ball, or sidewinder pitchers who consistently throw with elite power, and although the sidewinder can more easily keep the ball low in the strike zone (all else equal) and in theory limit more hitters to infield ground balls, they don't have the diversity of pitches and are therefore more often in mid-relief and relief roles. The most deadly pitchers are always over-the-top and have the best opportunity to throw the least hittable pitches - the forkball that falls off the table, and the high hard one. They also have the opportunity to break the ball left or right (curve or s***w balls) which is difficult at best for a sidewinder.

Tear 'em up!

Answer 8

Because throwing side arm is bad form, and will hurt the Qb's shoulder.  Also, throwing over the top ensures a spiral delivery easier for the receiver to catch, and makes it easier for the throw to get over the line of scrimmage.

Answer 9

takes more time to throw it side arm, coaches want quick releases.