How Critical is Brush

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Jun 18, 2010
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Feb 3, 2010
5,752
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Pac NW
I throw/demo up to 15 sessions per week, plus BP for DD and whoever asks. I bonk my forearm a bunch and even with 50+ year old limbs, it's not my forearm that aches after a long day with kids!

I think it's important to clarify for anyone just learning about brush it's not a bonk/bump/hit, or anything that causes pain--if done correctly. When the upper arm pauses at the ribs, the lower arm accelerates and brushes the soft spot just below the hip bone. It can also be thought of as a wrap, or roll of the forearm around the upper thigh--definitely not a bonk! If it hurts: stop! Take some video and look to see if the arm is straight going into release and if the arm is striking the hip bone. If so, the easy fix here is to make sure the elbow is flexed and is tucking in behind the hip bone. It seems counterintuitive, but releasing closer to the thigh with good flexion, often fixes issues with hip or forearm pain. I had a couple kids come to me with bruises on their hip bone and were able to throw without pain--with just the cue of releasing closer to the thigh.

I'm sure that with repeated bonking as a result of poor form, one could develop a stress fracture. If you experience pain no matter what the "fix," stop everything and go see a doctor.
 
Last edited:
Nov 25, 2012
1,437
83
USA
If she's truly pulling her arms down into an adduction, brushing will become automatic. Its a no teach. Be aware of ball orientation at 9:00 into release. If she rotates her hand to behind the ball too early, the arm will start to pull away from the ribs. (this kills speed, spin and consistency)

Such a great post Coach James! EXACTLY!

Bumping a good one on Way back Wednesday
 

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