Inside or outside the hip?

So as not to hijack another thread, I'm starting this one. Ken B corrected me on a post - and probably needed to - but read on past his quote below. I'm eager to learn more on this from those who can help.

Ken B said:

I think "behind the hip" might be a better description.

Click to expand...

Interesting. I checked out some additional vids on youtube to follow up on this. Abbott seemed to me to be clearly behind the hip. Osterman looked to release the elbow from slightly behind, but her arm seemed on a bit more forward plane relative to the body. Finch and Scarborough seemed to be more at or just inside the hip. Maybe it's the angles. I'm sure anybody who spends much time here has seen the clips below, but I threw them in for convenience.

Amanda Scarborough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avcEmdxuc30#t=30.729351
Jennie Finch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OA6RfTre6M
Cat Osterman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQz7CKn0SS4
Monica Abbott: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmiG4ji3onQ

I'd love to get more on this.

I think it helps to remember that the arm retains most of it's flexion from 9 through release: +/-135 degrees. Even with the flexion, the lower arm remains relatively loose, which is essential for whip to occur. In order for the ball to be released while maintaining bend, you either need to miss the body with the lower arm or wrap/roll it around the hip. Lacey Waldrop is an example of someone who does not brush much (if at all.) Although I enjoy watching her do her job and looking at her mechanics, I'm still drawn to folks like Abbott, Osterman, Pauly and Ueno--all of which maintain flexion with the elbow tucked behind the hip during lock, while the lower arm whips/wraps/rolls around the thigh:



Don't let the camera angle trick you into believing the arms of Abbott, Pauly and Escobedo completely straighten at release. Some flexion is essential for whip/IR to occur.

Sarah Pauly--brushes all the way to the wrist:

One of my favorite threads:

http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-pitching/24821-brush-interference-gifs.html

10 Karucters

Imagine seeing these pitches from directly behind. The arm is completely behind the body. All the catcher/hitter can see at this point is the ball exploding from the thigh.

Ken, you're doing overtime for me here. Thanks. Have some new things to ask DD's PC about.

Great thread completely reinforcing what we've been working on.