Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Executed with the hand moving forward and downward from above the level of the shoulder: Describes a motion, typically in sports or physical activities, where the hand starts above the shoulder and is thrown or swung downward.

Usage

The adjective "overhanded" is used to describe a specific type of throwing, striking, or serving motion. It is most commonly applied in sports contexts, such as baseball, tennis, or volleyball. It modifies nouns like "throw," "pitch," "stroke," or "serve."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The pitcher demonstrated a powerful overhanded delivery.
  • She has a very effective overhanded serve in tennis.
  • For this drill, use an overhanded throwing motion.

Advanced Usage

• "overhanded" vs. "overhand": In most modern sports commentary and writing, "overhand" is the more common adjectival form (e.g., an overhand pitch, an overhand right). "Overhanded" is a less frequent variant with the same meaning. The choice between them is often a matter of stylistic preference.
• Technical Description: The term precisely denotes a biomechanical action where the arm is extended above the shoulder at the initiation of the movement, differentiating it from "sidearm" or "underhand" techniques.

Variants and Related Words

• Overhand (adjective): The more frequently used form with identical meaning.
  • He throws with an overhand motion.
• Overhand (adverb): Describes the manner of performing an action.
  • She threw the ball overhand.
• Underhanded (adjective): Executed with the hand below the shoulder level; also can mean deceitful.
• Sidearm (adjective/adverb): Executed with the arm moving parallel to the ground, from the side of the body.

Synonyms

• Overarm: (Chiefly British) Having the hand or arm passing above the level of the shoulder.
  • an overarm bowl in cricket

Antonyms

• Underhand: Executed with the hand below the shoulder or waist level.
• Underhanded: (In the context of motion) Executed with an underhand style.

Adjective

1. with hand brought forward and down from above shoulder level
   • an overhand pitch
   • an overhand stroke