adjective / adverb
underhand
Performed with the hand below shoulder level.
She tossed the ball underhand to the child.
Etymology
The compound describes action performed with the hand kept low. In throwing, it distinguishes the movement from an overhand delivery.
More examples
- An underhand serve started the game.
- He used an underhand grip on the bar.
- The pitcher practiced a smooth underhand motion.
Forms
underhand
Similar words
- underarm
- Underarm describes the same low throwing motion, especially in sports.
- overhand
- Overhand describes a throw made with the hand passing above the shoulder.