Federico Robles
RHP Argentina National Team
1. Could you tell us your story on dropping down?
I start practicing at the age of 3, and since then I remember pitching that way (under the shoulder). At the beginning my coach tried to correct my odd way of throwing, telling me that it is supposed to be different and pitch the ball over the line of my shoulder, but luckily he realized the it was natural to me and a good thing for our game, so we start practicing it.
2. What are some of the advantages you have from your arm angle?
The advantage I get by pitching that way is that the angle of the pitch is different on the stright and curve balls than the other pitchers who throw the ball over the shoulder. And since Im the only pitcher who throw that way in my league, its quite an advantage to me.
3. If you didn't drop down, do you think you would have had the same success?
I can't imagine myself pitching in a different way actually. I've been throwing this way since I was a kid, its the normal thing to me. I think I wouldnt have had the same succes by pitching over the shoulder, plus I would kinda be one more of bunch.
4. What would you tell someone debating on changing their arm angle?
I think the most efective is to pitch over the shoulder line, even though, being able to do it below the shoulder have some advantages as well, like the ones I mention before. I would certainly focus on the natural way of pitching, no matters if it is over or below the shoulder.
5. Are there any mechanical tips that you'd give to someone throwing sidearm/submarine?
You will need a lot of practice to achieve a good technique, even if it doesnt look like! My advice is to work hard on the movement mechanics and the release point, due to its really different than pitching from over the shoulder.
6. What pitches do you throw?
My repetoire are the straight ball with 4 seams, with 2 seam tending to be almost like a sinker ball, the changeup with 2 seams and the slider...which is my best pitch by far.
7. How do you pitch to lefties/righties?
pitching to a right hander is easy, I feel pretty confident with them due to the trajectory and angle of the ball, i tend to use the straight ball or the slider to take them out. On the other hand, the left handed have a little advantage on me, cuz they can see the ball a bit longer, so I work them out with speed changes and the close straight ball.
8. What is your favorite part about pitching from down there?
The best thing about pitching under the shoulder is being the "different one".