Sam Holland: AA RHP Padres - Team Australia WBC 2017




 1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?

I have been pitching as long as I can remember. Until I was 18 I had always been a stock standard over the top right hander sitting 83-85mph. I hadn't gained any velocity since age 16 and scouts became less interested as time went on. I decided to make the change tossed arm myself and with help from one of my coaches here in Australia we found what worked best for me. I picked up the motion very quick, it seemed natural to me and after only 2 months I had not only equalled ,y top velocity but I had jumped up to sitting 86-88mph.


There arm many advantages in throwing from a lower arm angle. The movement on the ball is a huge advantage, along with the deceptive arm angle and "funky" delivery makes it hard for hitters to pick up release point and track the pitch. I also found in my experience I had a lot less arm trouble and recovered after my outing a lot fast due to my arm being in a less strenuous position. 


I can guarantee that I wouldn't have made it to the same level I'm at today if I had continued to pitch over the top. Dropping down has allowed me to grow as a pitcher and reach higher levels of play. For me I can't say I would have wanted to drop down earlier , I feel it happened for me at the perfect time and I just ran with it.


My advice for players debating changing arm angles is to take time to weigh up your options. Give yourself time to adjust don't expect results over night. Also do what feels natural to you.



Some key advice for me is I don't try and make the ball move I trust my arm angle and grip on the ball to make the ball move. Over manipulating the ball can take away from what your trying to achieve.

6. What pitches do you throw?

I throw 3 pitches.
- fastball 88-91mph topping at 92mph
- slider 78-80mph
- change up 82-84


 7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?

Pitching to lefties and righties is different for side arm pitchers. We have a big advantage against right handed hitters. I through my fastball in on their hand trying to get them to force weak contact, and keeping them off balance with my slider. Left handed hitters are harder to pitch to they see the ball well from there eye level I mix speeds more with lefties and you have to be able to show in other wise they can cheat and set toward that outside fastball.



My favourite thing about throwing side arm is being able to make a ball sink back onto the outside part of the plate for strike 3 after the hitter has given up on it, then seeing their face when they see where the catcher has caught it.