Underarm Throwing Technique

Throwing a ball, whether underarm or overarm, requires the same basic pattern of body movement to prepare for the throw and execute it. When a thrower understands the basic throwing fundamentals, the underarm throwing technique can develop as a useful and powerful throw. For example, girls' and women's softball uses only an underarm pitch to deliver the ball across home plate.

Things You'll Need

  • Ball (or other object)
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Instructions

  1. Basic Underarm Throw

    • 1

      Hold the ball in your dominant hand and face the direction you wish to throw the ball.

    • 2

      Swing the arm, holding the ball back to wind up. Keep your arm straight without locking the elbow. Bring the arm all the way back to shoulder height for a powerful throw or lower for a less powerful throw.

    • 3

      Move the foot opposite your throwing arm forward one step as you swing your arm forward to release the ball. Keep your eyes on your target at all times as you wind up your throw.

    • 4

      Release the ball as your arm comes forward. Follow through by continuing your arm's movement upward and then drop your arm back down to your side.

    Underarm Pitch

    • 5

      Grip the ball with your four fingers on the top of the ball along the side of the U-stitching, and your thumb on the bottom of the ball.

    • 6

      Place your feet shoulder width apart with your foot opposite the throwing arm one step behind the foot on the throwing arm side.

    • 7

      Bring your gloved hand and your throwing hand together in front of you with both arms straight out and horizontal.

    • 8

      Pivot your body 45 degrees by taking one step forward with your back foot and raise your arms together straight over your head, keeping your hands together.

    • 9

      Separate your arms by bringing your gloved hand straight out toward home plate and bringing your ball hand straight out in the opposite direction.

    • 10

      Swing your ball hand forward once and then reverse the direction and windmill it completely around one time. Release the ball when your hand comes around to the front, utilizing the force you created as you swung your arm around 360 degrees. Keep your eyes on the catcher's mitt the entire time you are winding up your underarm pitch.

    • 11

      Follow through your throw after you release the ball by continuing to move your arm upward toward your shoulder.