Softball Throwing Mechanics

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May 7, 2008
8,506
48
Tucson
Why do men put the ball in this position, with the ball positioned facing away from the head? I physically can't do it.
th_97827097.jpg
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Feb 16, 2010
456
0
Nashua, NH
Why do men put the ball in this position, with the ball positioned facing away from the head? I physically can't do it.
th_97827097.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]


:confused::confused::confused:


It may not be a bad throw, but this position would definitely be passed through and I don't think it should be taught. Style vs Mechanics... I'm going to keep talking about upstream vs downstream because the sync and the process of this throw is in place before this picture was taken.


Step 1 of Throwing Mechanics: Do a formal assessment of the body - especially the shoulder and elbow. Perform measurements for flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, extension, horizontal abduction. Know what normal ranges are of each. Perform strength tests throughout the shoulder to address the rotator cuff - both internal and external rotators. Check carrier angle of the elbow and understand how that effects look. Check for laxity in the joints. Understand what time of the month it is and what that means. There's more, but if this stuff isn't happening... it should be. Ask why.
 
Oct 12, 2009
1,465
0
When you say hitting their front hip do you mean as their arm circle goes back (at the low part of circle, in the begining)? because we teach to drag the thumb across the thigh to get them to make a big arm circle, then elbow high, and keep ball away from head. as they develop we teach a short thumb across chest smaller quicker play circle.

"Elbow high" is a bad, borderline dangerous cue.

It's done to teach a higher arm slot, but doesn't accomplish that.
 
Oct 12, 2009
1,465
0
why? and what are some better cues? Many girls throw with their hand at head height about 3 inches from their head with elbow pointing at the ground. how do you fix?

What problem are you trying to solve with this cue?

The elbow should be just below the level of the shoulders.

Also, what you are describing sounds like short-arming, which isn't necessarily bad as long as they are whipping the ball and not pushing it.

See the Maddux clip above.
 
Feb 16, 2010
456
0
Nashua, NH
Getting square to the target doesn't mean a thing. The biggest problem is the same problem as hitting - and the same in baseball and softball. Kids use the arms as the primary power source. Weight shift is missing - teaching to boys and girls is different which introduces a whole host of problems.

Elbow up is more of a player-by-player cue. Activation of the deltoid is a concern to me. Scapular retraction is more important to me. The elbow height isn't a non-teach, but if you get the scapular retraction part synced with the weight shift (coming from a coiled rear hip) you will be in good shape.

Good posture is critical. Good posture promotes good balance. Balance that can be used... Balance that can carry the stress of the throwing motion.
 
Feb 16, 2010
456
0
Nashua, NH
To clarify getting square - the movement pattern doesn't require the body to be squared to the target. It can help with teaching, but it's hardly a movement pattern issue.
 

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