Underarm Throws

In this lesson you will learn when the underarm throw is the right choice. The underarm throw is quick to release and very accurate over short distances, typically up to about ten or fifteen metres. It is ideal for fielders in the inner ring, such as cover, point, mid-wicket, mid-on and mid-off, when the ball is coming slowly towards them and a batter is trying to steal a quick single. Because there is no wind-up, the ball can leave your hand almost as soon as you collect it. Over longer distances, or when you need more pace, an overarm throw is better. You will learn to make the decision before the ball arrives, by checking the position of the batters and the distance to the stumps.

• Best over short distances
• Fast release with no wind-up
• Ideal for inner-ring fielders
• Decide before the ball arrives

In this lesson you will learn the approach that sets up an underarm throw. Attack the ball at speed, then slow slightly as you reach it so that you stay balanced. Approach slightly to the side of the ball, so that you can collect it beside your leading foot rather than in front of your body. For a right-handed thrower this usually means collecting the ball outside the right foot, with the left foot pointing towards the target. Stay low by bending your knees, not just your back, and keep your eyes on the ball until it is in your hand. You will learn that the pick-up and the throw are one movement: collect the ball in your throwing hand, and the momentum from your approach carries straight into the release.

• Attack, then slow to stay balanced
• Collect beside the leading foot
• Stay low by bending the knees
• Pick-up and throw are one movement

In this lesson you will focus on staying low and balanced through the throw. Many underarm throws miss because the fielder stands up as they release, which lifts the ball over the stumps. Keep your head level and your eyes fixed on the target, with your chest facing towards it and your knees bent. Your non-throwing arm can point at the target to help alignment. Your body weight should move towards the target as you throw, not sideways. You will learn that a low, square body position gives you a flat, straight path for the ball and makes the throw repeatable under pressure. Practise slowly at first, then gradually increase speed while keeping the same low shape.

• Stay low through the release
• Head level, eyes on the target
• Chest facing the target
• Body weight moves towards the target

In this lesson you will learn the release. Swing your throwing arm back only a short distance and then forwards in a smooth arc, releasing the ball at around knee to hip height. Keep your wrist firm and let your fingers point at the target as the ball leaves your hand. Your arm should follow through towards the target, finishing pointing at the stumps or the keeper's gloves, and you should take a step or two forwards after the release. A good follow-through keeps the ball on line. You will learn to aim at the base of the stumps or into the gloves, and to keep the ball flat. A ball that loops high is slower to arrive and harder for the keeper or bowler to gather cleanly.

• Short backswing, smooth arc
• Release around knee to hip height
• Follow through towards the target
• Keep the throw flat, not looping

In this lesson you will learn to throw underarm while still moving, which is how many run-outs are created. As you collect the ball beside your leading foot, keep running through the throw rather than stopping. The momentum of your body adds pace to the ball, and you release with the same low shape you practised standing still. This is a high-skill technique, so you should be confident with the standing version first. Look at the target before you collect, so you already know where the stumps are, then trust that picture and keep your eyes on the ball. You will learn to keep running a few steps after the release so you do not stop sharply, and to stay clear of the pitch and the batters' running line.

• Keep running through the throw
• Momentum adds pace to the ball
• Picture the target before collecting
• Stay clear of the batters' running line

In this lesson you will learn to choose your target and to make good decisions. If the batter is well short of their ground and the stumps are close, aim directly at them. If the batter is likely to make their ground, or if a miss would give away overthrows, return the ball to the keeper or bowler instead so that they can break the wicket. Listen for calls from your team-mates, who may have a better view. You will learn that a wild throw at the stumps with no one backing up can turn a dot ball into extra runs. A good underarm thrower combines technique with judgement, choosing the safe return when the chance is small and going for the stumps when the reward is worth the risk.

• Go for the stumps when the batter is short
• Return to the keeper if the chance is small
• Listen for team-mates' calls
• Check that someone is backing up

In this lesson you will learn the common faults and how to fix them. Standing up during the throw lifts the ball over the stumps, so stay low. Collecting in front of the body rather than beside the foot slows the release, so approach slightly to the side. Snatching at the throw and taking your eyes off the target sends it wide, so look at the target as you release. Throwing with a bent, floppy wrist causes the ball to spray, so keep it firm. A simple practice is to place a single stump about ten metres away, roll balls towards yourself or ask a partner to roll them, and aim for the stump using the full pick-up and throw. Warm up first and build up the number of repetitions gradually.

• Standing up lifts the ball
• Collect beside the foot, not in front
• Firm wrist, eyes on the target
• Practise with a single stump target