Sidearm vs overarm

In my pre-teen years living in rural Indiana, I was always picking up rocks, dirt clods, etc. to throw at everything and anything (trees, tele-poles) for self-amusement.

I naturally threw sidearm...probably because I could throw it harder and release it faster.

The result of throwing all the time led to me being one heck of a pitcher....until at age 13, my elbow was shot. My dad wouldn't let me pitch anymore...that is until my jr. year in H.S. when I started back up again. I rec'd a scholorship to a major college, but during my 1st season, my elbow blew out again and bye bye baseball dreams.

Back in the 60's, my L.L. was more like organized sandlot compared to todays L.L. and the coaches I had...if you mentioned proper mechanics, would think you're talkng about cars or machinery.

My opinion is to amend his style to a 3/4 delivery and stress proper mechanics as best you can. Straight sidearm is like a whip with your elbow rec'g a huge amt. of stress....while straight overhand puts a great deal of stress on your shoulder (r.cuff).