In regards to pitching, there are an infinite number of arms slots that vary from pitcher to pitcher. An arm slot, as described by Matt Lentzner, is simply the arm angle that a pitcher uses when throwing a baseball.2 Despite the variability between pitchers, there is typically four common arm slots in which they use: the overhand, three-quarter, sidearm, and submarine arm slots.
I’ve heard so many different contradicting opinions on a pitchers arm slot. Over-hand, high 3 quarters, 3 quarters, side arm and obviously subby (which im not too concerned about since I will never throw like that). First off I want to know what are the advantages vs. Disadvantages for these arm slots. I know velocity and movement are key variables. 2nd: I’m a college pitcher with a very. Those 35 pitchers give us an idea about what Lopez’s two-seamer would have looked like, if he’d thrown one. In this case, it would have been average in terms of horizontal movement but possessed more than two fewer inches of drop than the average two-seamer. Hello, arm-slot change.
![Top Top](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael_Torry2/publication/43183312/figure/download/fig1/AS:601669549178909@1520460607851/Definition-of-elbow-and-shoulder-angles-used-in-this-study-elbow-flexion-A-shoulder.png)
The first being the overhand arm slot, in which the pitcher’s arm is perpendicular to the ground. An example of this, would be previous Boston Red Sox’s relief pitcher Hideki Okajima. Like you can see in the picture, Okajima’s arm is straight up at 12 o’clock, in relation to a clock, prior to the release of the baseball.
The second type of arm slot, is known as the three-quarter release. As shown by Cub's relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman, the arm is instead angled at 1:30, prior to release of the baseball. This arm slot, is considered the most common, with most major league pitchers falling somewhere between the overhand and three-quarters arm slot.2
White Sox Pitcher Chris Sale1 |
The third type, known as the sidearm arm slot, is at a 3 o’clock position. Pitchers with this type of arm slot, may look like they throw across their body. A prime example of this, would be current Chicago White Sox ace, Chris Sale.
Finally, the last arm slot, is known as the submarine arm slot. In relation to a clock, the arm slot can be compared to 4:30. An example of this, would be moneyball pitcher Chad Bradford, as you can see, his release is low to the ground, and his shoulder is tilted downwards.
It is commonly recommended that pitchers often use whatever is most comfortable for them, however, O’Leary suggests that arm slot is instead just dependent on the amount of “shoulder tilt” a pitcher has when throwing, and can be adjusted accordingly to find maximum efficiency.3 Furthermore, a pitcher’s arm slot can predispose them to injury, if it is inefficient, and requires dramatic compensation in arm whip due to a lack of total body use. This will lead to increased force at the shoulder and elbow joints, creating likelihood of injury.
For a pitcher, it is important to fine tune their kinematic motion to become efficient and increase velocity without significantly increasing kinetic force created at the shoulder and elbow.1 Finding the right arm slot which does this, will lead to decreased likelihood of injury and maximum efficiency.
1Fortenbaugh, D., Fleisig, G. S., & Andrews, J. R. (2009). Baseball Pitching Biomechanics in Relation to Injury Risk and Performance. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach,1(4), 314-320. doi:10.1177/1941738109338546
Pitching Velocity By Age
2Lentzner, M., & Said.., B. L. (2008, November 13). A pitching model: Playing the slots. Retrieved September 30, 2016, from http://www.hardballtimes.com/a-pitching-model-playing-the-slots1/
3O'Leary, C. (2007, January 29). The Great Arm Slot Myth. Retrieved September 30, 2016, from http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/pitchingmechanics101/essays/ArmSlot.html
1Chris Sale in All-Star form during White Sox's 8-2 victory over Angels [Chris Sale Pitching]. (2015, August 11). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from https://article.wn.com/view/2015/08/11/Chris_Sale_in_AllStar_form_during_White_Soxs_82_victory_over/
2External Rotation | Talk Velocity | TopVelocity Baseball Forum [Pitching Arm Slot]. (2012, January 17). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from http://www.topvelocity.net/forum/talk-velocity/external-rotation/
3O'Leary, C. (2007, November 28). Examples - Arm Slot and Shoulde Tilt [Hideki Okajima]. Retrieved from www.chrisoleary.com
Pitching Arm Slot Velocity Acceleration
4Submarine Style Baseball Pitchers [Digital image]. (2009, April 16). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from http://hurtyelbow.typepad.com/hurtyelbow/2009/04/submarine-style-baseball-pitchers.html
College Pitching Velocity
Arm Slot and Natural Path – Enterprise rancheria casino update 2021.
![College pitching velocity College pitching velocity](/uploads/1/3/6/6/136676286/495090591.jpg)
I have often been asked by parents and players about what arm slot is correct or if the player should change their arm slot because they are struggling, or don’t feel normal. Outside of becoming a full submarine style thrower, there are a couple ways to identify the most natural and comfortable arm slot for a player to throw from.
For position players, it’s an easy solution. Work into a long toss with full effort. The way that feels correct throwing the ball at that distance is the natural arm slot. For infielders, who want to be short with their arm and still get it out with velocity, the best solution is to take backhand ground balls from a deep 3rd base position and let it go as hard as possible to first base.
Velocity Pitching Training
With pitching, it differs a little bit. After moving into a long toss, slowly move into around 70-75 feet away from the partner. At this point, go into a crow-hop and throw the ball on a line as hard as possible to the partner. St louis hollywood casino amphitheater seating chart. This is the athletes natural arm slot for pitching.