Home Baseball Content Managing Sidearm and Submarine Pitchers

Managing Sidearm and Submarine Pitchers

Written on September 1, 2010 at 5:43 am, by Eric Cressey

Q: I just saw your post about Strasberg and pitching injuries.  This may be hopelessly naive, but – do “submarine” throwers face the same perils?  I’m old enough to remember Kent Telkulve, so it made me think.  It seems as though I see a fair number of throws from SS and 3B positions that appear somewhat submarine-like in motion, so the technique wouldn’t be completely unknown. Thoughts?

A: In short, the answer would be “yes,” they do face the same perils.

If you actually slow things down and example joint angles, you’ll see that the shoulder and elbow positioning most of these guys get to is very similar to what you see in more overhand throwers.  The difference is in how much lateral trunk tilt they have; the more trunk tilt, the lower the release point.

bradford

The primary difference you’ll see is that sidearm/submarine throwers will typically break down at the elbow a lot more than the shoulder.  Aguinaldo and Chambers found that sidearm throwers had significantly higher elbow valgus torques than overhand throwers. It’s not surprising, given that they do tend to lead with the elbow a bit more.

Position players who throw more sidearm can largely get away with it because a) they don’t have anywhere near the volume of throwing in a single outing or a season that pitchers do, and b) they aren’t throwing off a mound.  We know that just stepping up onto the elevated mound dramatically increases arm stress.

pedroia

So, what are the practical applications of knowing the demands are, for the most part, very similar?

First, spend a considerable amount more time focusing on core stability and working to iron out excessive right-left asymmetries that arise secondary to all the lateral trunk tilt.  In other words, worry as much about the spine as you do about the arm.

joshpapelbon

Second, I’d put an even greater emphasis on soft tissue work at the medial elbow – particularly on the common flexor tendon (the muscles that join to create this tendon protect the ulnar collateral ligament from excessive valgus stress).

Third, as is usually the case, use these guys as relievers to keep their throwing volume lower while still maximizing their utility.

Other than that, manage them as if you would any other pitcher – which should always be a tremendously individualized process, anyway!


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4 Responses to “Managing Sidearm and Submarine Pitchers”

  1. Fredrik Gyllensten Says:

    Uh, that dosen’t look to good… Reminds me of this one; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-k_yg62T2k

  2. Chris Says:

    Any recommendations for soft tissue techniques for us that can’t afford thousands on a certification and graston tools? I currently use my hands/knuckles, but I don’t nearly get the effects of actually penetrating the epidermis, which I’m assuming is doing something for the sympathetic response to the aggravated tissue??…ouch

    Your site is awesome by the way. I’m currently a 3rd year PT student and I’ve spent more time reading your posts than studying for my much needed boards coming up in June! Thanks!

  3. Greg Says:

    ASMI study showed less stress on elbow throwing sidearm. Sidearm is the safest way to throw (above is submarine not sidearm). Sidearmer Kent Tekulve threw every day during the season and is the all-time leader in innings pitched with zero days rest. He never had any arm problems.

  4. Eric Cressey Says:

    Greg,

    He also didn’t throw very hard. F=MxA…


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