"Hello Elbow" might look like these:
Softball Pitching: How To Pitch a Softball | Softball Drills & Tips Video Library | PlaySportsTV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc99t_g9RUs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83tC79baMU0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDUC-B-eGA
Hello Elbow can be characterized by these points:
-Ball facing 2nd base at 12 o'clock
-Wrist cocked back--ready to snap
-Arm speed is critical
-Ball is pushed down to release
-Wrist snaps violently at the "release point."
-Hand/fingers peel up the ball
-Arm forcefully pulls up hard and finishes with the fingers touching the shoulder and elbow pointing at the target
-Hips snap through and face squarely to target after release
Arm whip (IR) looks like these:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5X86nD_WS4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmiG4ji3onQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6z39S19x8o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQz7CKn0SS4
Whip/IR might be characterized by:
-The ball is pulled around the circle
-Lower arm is loose and relaxed, resulting in a lagged lower arm and ball
-Palm is facing upwards from 9-8 o'clock
-Upper arm pauses at the ribs allowing the lower arm/ball to accelerate
-Upper arm internally rotates, elbow stays flexed
-Lower arm wraps/rolls/brushes around the hip--triggering release
-Lower arm/wrist/hand rotates from a palm up/supinated position to a palm downish/pronated position
-Overall follow through is relaxed and natural
Thanks, I am beginning to understand it, but it seems like it will be a while before I fully, if ever, get it.
BTW, why is it called Hello Elbow, because at the finish "elbow pointing at the target" detail?
I think the best way to understand the difference is to feel the difference. Try the cues for yourself. If you are able--learn along with your pitcher. It makes a huge difference in your understanding of what she is going through and makes communicating with her SO MUCH easier.
Study of slow motion video of the world's best pitchers has unequivocally proven that maximum speed is much more the result of technique than major muscle actions.
I would imagine trying it myself would help to understand, I have some physical limitations. I could not do any of the legwork. I probably could try the arm motion a few times.
I just started look at video of top college pitchers today, still trying to see everything I am supposed to be finding. I did notice the ball position at 12 o'clock, the lagged lower arm, and the upper arm rotating toward the torso.
What should a relaxed and natural follow through look like?
Thanks.