00 DD one year later....comments welcome

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Aug 29, 2011
1,108
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Dallas, TX
I would like to see these 10 videos.....or how about just 3 videos

Now I want to ask you coach Dan, what did this prove? Posting videos proves nothing. I could spend the rest of my life posting something to support my argument. This debate started about the hand facing 3B at 12:00, at the top, and 09:00 by my natural clock when looking at the pitcher from the side, or 03:00 by Boardmember's clock, directly behind, in executing the "Wall Drill".

I'm not a fan of the wall ball drill........It doesn't mimic the actual direction that the palm should be facing both at the top and at 3:00.......... post #11
If I am the pitcher facing a clock......The back of the circle is 3:00.......Symantics.....

I have no idea what this last statement means, but it is probably similar to my convoluted Ueno comment early in this thread; perhaps just misspoken.
I like palm down or in on the way up.....Palm forward at the top......Palm to the sky at 3:00 (or 9:00 if that's your preference).......

Now if the palm forward argument is used, then why do so few videos demonstrate such an orientation. And since, most of the pitchers in the videos show a palm out orientation at 12:00, what is wrong with the wall drill? Lastly, even if you taught palm up at 09:00/03:00 by Boardmembers clock, the hand isn't in contact with the wall at "03:00" and has already slid off. The hand could already be turned, cupped up like Ueno.

My contention is that this orientation used by Ueno and others, like hello elbow is not the best advice. I have reasons, and the proof I am wrong is videos posted over and over again. That ain't science! And my videos prove nothing. Videos have nothing to do with my contentions. It does however prove that Boardmember has better computer software than I do.

My contention is that the palm up puts more stress on the elbow. You can orient the elbow in the same position, pulling to the hip, without the 180 degree maximum supination of the elbow. In other words turning the elbow 90 degrees out of the neutral elbow position, hand facing out, can achieve the same ends. The humorous bone in the upper arm can only help achieve this 180 degree position by moving in the rotator cuff. This adds additional stress on the rotator cuff, which is probably the most vulnerable joint in motion mechanics. The natural or neutral position would be the hand facing out at 12:00 and and at 09:00. The 90 degree angle, palm out doesn't put a lot of stress on the elbow. If you grip a ball, and assume both positions, this will be obvious to you. The only pitch the palm up position benefits is a curve-ball when thrown as most do, from a "cupped" hand position. However, the elbow leaves the homogenous circle and goes behind the back, relaxing the elbow from the vertical (circular) position that the palm up position demands. Further, the palm up position naturally progresses into a pronated position after release. When you are standing, hands at side, patting your thigh, the two forearm bones are twisted over, or around the other, radius over ulna. This is the end result of Ueno's release. So the bones have rotated 270 degrees from a non-neutral to the opposite non-neutral position.

The second issue. I have posted in other threads about Ueno's palm up position. So the one stupid gramatical post is out of context to my body of posts. I blew it in achieving my message. However in #29 I wrote about it more extensively, as I had in other threads. I don't like her achieving the neutral hand position during release so late. Timing becomes an issue, and that may not be as critical for her as it would be younger pitchers. At what point do you get the hand turned back facing the catcher on a peel drop, fastball, changes of some types, etc? From the 90 degree elbow position, it requires half of the correction, enhancing timing problems for various releases. The 90 degree position is also exactly what is required for a rise-ball, as Bill Hillhouse demonstrates in his Fastpitch TV video #2.

These are not video challenges. And they do not require fabrications or just shouting louder. If you are going to challenge a theory, you have to work within that theory, and offer an alternative. It is like saying, "Those Democrats haven't offered a budget!" And the Democrats say, "Well where is yours!" I am a Conservative by the way and hate them all! Don't argue my theory with videos. If that is valid, I can impose a plethora of videos supporting "hello elbow". Debate within the premise. Attack the theory. Offer an alternative and show why.

Lastly, I do not believe that the enhanced or at the limitation of IR, 180 degree position, palm up at 09:00, somehow enhances speed more than the 90 degree, palm out, facing the wall position. That is the theory Boardmember made. I have no evidence to the contrary. But it isn't my theory.

I don't think, and there is concrete evidence to that fact, that I give a lot of credit to other posters. But this argument and my two premises have not been broken by videos. Remember "hello elbow".
 
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Aug 29, 2011
1,108
0
Dallas, TX
Boardmember
I've been following your arm circle/hand position discussion and would agree with you for the most part- my difference would be that the ideal hand position at 3:00 instead of palm up is palm facing 3rd base (for a right handed pitcher). This is a neutral position that allows equal room for rotation to come under or over the ball at release. If you are palm up at 3:00 for the rise, you are already under the ball which limits, possibly too much, rotation into the release. The 3 ladies demonstrating- two I believe show facing 3rd base at 3:00 and Cat I would agree seems more palm up at that point. .. The ball to the wall drill promotes a palm down or toward 2nd base position at 3:00 and I might add that almost everybody who comes to me for lessons who have been taught that also have a locked out arm and muscle thru the release to a "hello elbow" finish.

I appreciate your post. I agree with the first part, but what I would say is that the Wall Drill doesn't promote palm down, the coaches let them get away with it. You can teach them to pull the elbow to the hip and keep the ball palm out.
 
Aug 29, 2011
1,108
0
Dallas, TX
But this is how you activate the kinetic chain of: elbow, wrist & fingers....that creates the Whip.... "convert"

Forget the wall.... think of the ball as a piece of round chalk, draw a circle with it.... don't scratch your fingers on the chalk board...

The majority of that acceleration is at the index finger (among fingers), correct? And a 90 degree rotation can't achieve as much or nearly as much acceleration? Since the forearm/elbow orientation is the same, just less supinated, how much if anything are you losing? If it can be proved to me that my premise is false, other than just saying "You are wrong!" I will listen. Just don't give me another video or I will start posting "hello elbow" videos.

Some pitchers complain of forearm soreness. Of course this is usually temporary, but I would like to have Dr. Sherry Werner's opinion on this. My guess is that the muscle that controls the orientation of the radius and ulna in a neutral position, or in other words returns them to a neutral position is called the brachial radialis or radialus, I can't remember exactly. It runs right down the center of the forearm and is attached to both bones. It is easy to aggravate that muscle with excessive movement.
 
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Jul 14, 2008
1,796
63
Mr. Huff...........This is your video of proof that Hillhouse's palm is facing 3rd at the top AND facing 3rd at 9:00? And you've spent the last 3 pages tell me that my video isn't "clear enough"??? This was a joke right?

1zqsfut.jpg
10dttab.jpg


Why don't we just use these.........

5kr7f5.jpg
11avn9d.jpg


And that video of Hal you used as one of your example is a "submarine pitch".........NOT a Windmill Pitch.........He pushes his arm UP THE BACK OF THE CIRCLE to reach the position.......And you can't even see the ball at 9:00.........I made that clip........And that clip CANNOT BE COMPARED to a windmill pitch........

Sarah Pauly is palm up at 9:00 even in the clip you referenced. I've already posted an X-Mo clip of her in this thread anyway as verifyable proof..........

Regardless........"Wiping the wall" with the ball from 12:00 to 9:00 is NOT how the best pitchers in the world throw the ball...........

You made the statement that I just grabbed 10 video's of the palm up position, and that doesn't prove anything.......

What you failed to say was that I grabbed 10 videos of both current and past pitchers who are argueably THE BEST PITCHES IN THE WORLD to show these postions........

And you fail to see the signifance of THAT premise............Which is what the "Hanson Principle" is fundamentally based upon.......And why the "Hanson Principle" has caused melt-downs like this ALL OVER THE INTERNET.......

The Hanson Principle INSISTS that threories and concepts are TESTED against THE BEST IN THE WORLD.......

I teach what do the MAJORITY of the BEST in the world do......And I have for 30 years.......And though research I can say without a doubt that THE MAJORITY of the best pitchers in the world are palm up at 9:00.......And the MAJORITY of the best pitchers in the world do not wipe the wall.........

Oh they may "think" they do........But they do not........

In conclusion.........I'll go with what the Majority of the best pitchers in the world do........Vs. what they say/think they do.......

Maybe Rich will let you borrow his knee pads when we're done..........

Best Regards.......
 
Jul 14, 2008
1,796
63
Boardmember
I've been following your arm circle/hand position discussion and would agree with you for the most part- my difference would be that the ideal hand position at 3:00 instead of palm up is palm facing 3rd base (for a right handed pitcher). This is a neutral position that allows equal room for rotation to come under or over the ball at release. If you are palm up at 3:00 for the rise, you are already under the ball which limits, possibly too much, rotation into the release. The 3 ladies demonstrating- two I believe show facing 3rd base at 3:00 and Cat I would agree seems more palm up at that point. .. The ball to the wall drill promotes a palm down or toward 2nd base position at 3:00 and I might add that almost everybody who comes to me for lessons who have been taught that also have a locked out arm and muscle thru the release to a "hello elbow" finish.

Rich, you've already suggested that we meet and I pass on my secrets. I would love to see you again for the first time in almost 35 years.......But something you need to know........You must be able to let go, at least for our time together, of some things you've latched onto over the past 20 years about how we teach others to "throw" a softball........

And one of those things will be exactly what's being discussed here........

The "spins" won't change. Infact they will likely increase in rotational value. But the velocity will change........

I'll email you my cell number........Give me a call and lets get together sooner then later..........:)

Oh and if you haven't already........Read this post of mine from 3 years ago........

http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-pitching/1348-internal-rotation.html#post5534
 
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Jan 4, 2012
3,790
38
OH-IO
The majority of that acceleration is at the index finger (among fingers), correct?

No video.... I can't speak to to acceleration of the index finger, but do "donate", that it provides directional digital focus. Just as it does in finishing the rise. The finger pointing to 3rd, in conjunction with not pulling the hand out of glove, nor back past the waist, sets the parameters for not locking the elbow, and is the negative move to initiate the whip....as you finish across the body. Just as an all other power moves. Not to prove your premise false, but to more clearly art-text-u-late my position, without video being the criteria. The pethera of video would be: golf, boxing, tennis, batting, overhand throwing, karate, bowling....

It pains me to take issue with you, as I have found you to be one of the most interesting posters, and The Most Informative.
 
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Aug 29, 2011
1,108
0
Dallas, TX
No video.... I can't speak to to acceleration of the index finger, but do "donate", that it provides directional digital focus. Just as it does in finishing the rise. The finger pointing to 3rd, in conjunction with not pulling the hand out of glove, nor back past the waist, sets the parameters for not locking the elbow, and is the negative move to initiate the whip....as you finish across the body. Just as an all other power moves. Not to prove your premise false, but to more clearly art-text-u-late my position, without video being the criteria. The pethera of video would be: golf, boxing, tennis, batting, overhand throwing, karate, bowling....

It pains me to take issue with you, as I have found you to be one of the most interesting posters, and The Most Informative.

What I mean by this statement is that when the wrist snaps through in IR, the index finger being on the outside of that rotational process, acquires the most energy. The index and middle fingers are also the strongest and play the biggest role in the release "snap" process. If you look at Ueno's hand, you will see my point. At release that index and middle fingers provide acceleration. The pinky is little involved.
 
Jul 14, 2008
1,796
63
What I mean by this statement is that when the wrist snaps through in IR, the index finger being on the outside of that rotational process, acquires the most energy. The index and middle fingers are also the strongest and play the biggest role in the release "snap" process. If you look at Ueno's hand, you will see my point. At release that index and middle fingers provide acceleration. The pinky is little involved.

This is 100% true statement.........
 
Aug 29, 2011
1,108
0
Dallas, TX
Mr. Huff...........This is your video of proof that Hillhouse's palm is facing 3rd at the top AND facing 3rd at 9:00? And you've spent the last 3 pages tell me that my video isn't "clear enough"??? This was a joke right?

You have the software, I asked you what you used before. i have nothing to slow down the process except a pause button. However, your 2nd photo clearly shows the ball in front, toward 3B, palm out. The bottom video shows thumb on top. Hillhouse grips with two fingers. Therefore there is a preponderance of fleshy fingers curled up on the bottom. The THUMP is on top.

As to Pauly, I think the viewers can make their own opinion of that video. I don't agree with you. No, I don't think you just grabbed 10 videos to show your point. I think I can grab 10 videos to make my point. I think you put a lot of effort into making your point. My premise isn't you fine effort, my premise is as I stated above. But somehow you can't seem to address it. You want to argue over video stills. I think "hello elbow" is the only way to follow through. I am certain of it because a lot of the best pitchers in the world do it! I will show you in video! Now, do you think I am serious?

I am saying that video does not convince me. There was a time when I felt I was the only coach in the US preaching against "slamming the door" hip closing. I didn't give in. I didn't like hello elbow because I thought it wasn't a normal follow-through, because I pitched (not well), and I stayed open until after release. I didn't give in. I copied the Pauly video, and I don't see palm up. Not at all. Her thumb is visible all the way through the back of the circle into release mode. As to Hillhouse's photo above, I don't know what pitch he is throwing. So I can't comment on "12:00". I don't recall mentioning this specific video and 12:00 hand position.

I notice you didn't mention the Jennie Finch video.

I have written more than once, that even though I don't teach everything exactly as Bill Hillhouse, I deffer to him. I prefer him to me! Since he agrees with me!!!!!then perhaps we need to show him what he is doing wrong; according to you. You have to ask, why they say it and don't do it?

I am begging you. NO MORE VIDEOS. As I have said, whether my shortcoming, or your form of debate, I am not interested. If you want to address my points from my post which I will again post here -

My contention is that the palm up puts more stress on the elbow. You can orient the elbow in the same position, pulling to the hip, without the 180 degree maximum supination of the elbow. In other words turning the elbow 90 degrees out of the neutral elbow position, hand facing out, can achieve the same ends. The humorous bone in the upper arm can only help achieve this 180 degree position by moving in the rotator cuff. This adds additional stress on the rotator cuff, which is probably the most vulnerable joint in motion mechanics. The natural or neutral position would be the hand facing out at 12:00 and and at 09:00. The 90 degree angle, palm out doesn't put a lot of stress on the elbow. If you grip a ball, and assume both positions, this will be obvious to you. The only pitch the palm up position benefits is a curve-ball when thrown as most do, from a "cupped" hand position. However, the elbow leaves the homogenous circle and goes behind the back, relaxing the elbow from the vertical (circular) position that the palm up position demands. Further, the palm up position naturally progresses into a pronated position after release. When you are standing, hands at side, patting your thigh, the two forearm bones are twisted over, or around the other, radius over ulna. This is the end result of Ueno's release. So the bones have rotated 270 degrees from a non-neutral to the opposite non-neutral position.

The second issue. I have posted in other threads about Ueno's palm up position. So the one stupid gramatical post is out of context to my body of posts. I blew it in achieving my message. However in #29 I wrote about it more extensively, as I had in other threads. I don't like her achieving the neutral hand position during release so late. Timing becomes an issue, and that may not be as critical for her as it would be younger pitchers. At what point do you get the hand turned back facing the catcher on a peel drop, fastball, changes of some types, etc? From the 90 degree elbow position, it requires half of the correction, enhancing timing problems for various releases. The 90 degree position is also exactly what is required for a rise-ball, as Bill Hillhouse demonstrates in his Fastpitch TV video #2.
 
Aug 29, 2011
1,108
0
Dallas, TX
This is one of the videos you posted earlier of Michele Smith as one of those little micro videos, gifs I guess. It is reversed, and you said she was palm up. I would suggest freezing the video at 00:08.5 through 00:09 and look at her hand. Here is a thumb showing in the freeze-frame is at 00:09.2. Her fingers are on top of the ball, palm down. I thought that this was a changeup. That shows how useful some of these videos were. That includes the mysterious Amanda Scarborough "roll-over" drop ball. And I think if anyone watches the Pauly and Hillhouse videos objectively, they will come to the same conclusions.

But, I am not interested in video wars. I am interested about my pitching mechanics points that I made.

 
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