Under hand a natural motion theory

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May 13, 2012
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This topic came up the other day at a softball related event. I brought it to my office to dicuss with some friends as we often debate some off the wall things. None of them have DD's in softball but they are familiar with the sport and hear me talk about pitching. So maybe some knowledgeable, physics, muscle groups etc guru's can weigh in on some of the points we discussed, is it truly a natural motion.
1. All of the cave dwgs from early man and Egyptian dwgs show rocks to spear being thrown overhand. The only thing we could find thrown non overhand was the rock in a sling which seemed mostly side arm type to maybe under hand.
2. If a kid was brought up throwing with a single step stride, overhand once then underhand once, which method would produce the most velocity, the best acururcy assuming mechanics are naturally perfect in both methods. Talking about muscle groups here.
Knowing it has been discussed here before I brought up over use and how using the "it's a natural motion" theory so it won't hurt nothing. Everyone called BS. Responses ranged from walking, butt scratching, nose picking to eating as natural. There will always be pain involved as the body way of saying enough is enough if repeated too much. The body may try to offset the pain with calluses, stretched stomach etc but even natural motions have a threshold that may vary from person to person, but still a limit that can be exceeded.
Before anyone says it, yes some days are slower than others at work.:cool:
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
...1. All of the cave dwgs from early man and Egyptian dwgs show rocks to spear being thrown overhand. The only thing we could find thrown non overhand was the rock in a sling which seemed mostly side arm type to maybe under hand.

Our early ancestors were less concerned with mechanical efficiency and all out staying alive. When engaged either in hunting or combat it is best to keep your body behind cover or concealed and throw over something rather than standing in the open and throwing underhand. That said, ever see a poop fight in the monkey cage at the zoo. Not much overhand motion happening. :)
 
Jul 5, 2016
652
63
Overhand is a natural motion too. However, it does seem that throwing overhand as hard as you can stresses the shoulder and elbow more than underhand throws. On the other hand, it is hard to throw a spear underhand. That whole windmill thing doesn't work very well with spears.
 
May 13, 2012
599
18
I'm glad everyone is seeing the humor we did discussing it. We were trying to define a volentary natural motion. The merits, misunderstanding, etc. It proved to be interesting on theory and somewhat serious on the natural making it ok to overuse, whether it was pitching in sb or bb. Running beyond the point of getting in shape, VB sore shoulders from to much practice spikes, staying at the driving range one swing to many etc.
 
Jul 5, 2016
652
63
I'm glad everyone is seeing the humor we did discussing it. We were trying to define a volentary natural motion. The merits, misunderstanding, etc. It proved to be interesting on theory and somewhat serious on the natural making it ok to overuse, whether it was pitching in sb or bb. Running beyond the point of getting in shape, VB sore shoulders from to much practice spikes, staying at the driving range one swing to many etc.

Can you imagine the "good old days" before modern medicine. The number of adults in constant pain due to overuse injuries and things like torn ACLs must have been pretty shocking.
 
Jan 4, 2012
3,852
38
OH-IO
It's a natural motion, my first DVD said so !!!!

I came to the conclusion that hitting is underhand... going to teach a boy the elite swing...starting him off by learning Girls (NewZealand Men's Fastpitch) rendition... IR :cool:
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Can you imagine the "good old days" before modern medicine. The number of adults in constant pain due to overuse injuries and things like torn ACLs must have been pretty shocking.


Not to mention the many women that can't chew food because the did not wear a facemask in their youth. Oh the humanity!!!
 

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