LH sidearm pitcher

Question
My 15 year old son, 6'2" 190#, LH pitcher has fallen in love with a 3/4 to sidearm delivery.  He has great control, and a breaking ball that seems to start behind LH batters, and has them bailing out every time.  His fast ball has a natural break to it, about 70-75 mph.

He is attending a baseball academy, and the coaches are in love with his pitching, and do not want to change a thing.  They agree that he is a Division 1 prospect, and "could make millions as a specialized receiver".  

Your thoughts on developing as a sidearm pitcher, and any particular drills or skills that he should concentrate on.  I had been working with him to "come over the top" more, but after his coaches reaction, he is reluctant to change.  

Answer
Given all the positive comments about his pitching style -- I wouldn't change a thing! If he can throw from the side and still maintain control (and by control, I mean an ability to pinpoint his pitches to both sides of the plate), then I'm not sure I would try to change his arm angle. Throwing from the side will probably increase the movement of his pitches, and while the over-the-top fast ball may gain velocity, it probably will straighten the pitch out. The one caveat to this is that you want to make sure he doesn't injure himself, as throwing from the side is riskier for elbow injuries. Make sure you monitor him closely in that respect, and if soreness begins to develop, then you may need to change his mechanics.

Wish I could offer more, but I would really need to see him pitch in order to offer anything constructive. But if the coaches in the clinic know what they're doing and suggest not changing anything, then I would be inclined to agree with them absent injuries. There are no special drills that I know of for that particular throwing style -- he should be working on all the same things as any other pitcher would. Develop accuracy, ball movement, and change of speeds.

Best of luck,

Mike F.