Just when I thought there was nothing more to know about pitching mechanics...we get two threads in a week about glute activation.
Coach James mentioned the "crack a nut" idea in order to stop monkey butting. This was followed with the inevitable "you are wrong" message.
I did some quick internet searching and *SURPRISE*, there are many discussions about glute activation in the golf swing. And, yes, some articles mention squeezing the cheeks during the golf swing.
The golf swing for the middle irons is very similar to the fastpitch motion. So, if glute activation is a big deal in golf, and it almost certainly s a big deal in pitching.
This is from article discussing tests for determining whether the golfer has sufficient glute strength:
Stabilize your Swing
Coach James mentioned the "crack a nut" idea in order to stop monkey butting. This was followed with the inevitable "you are wrong" message.
I did some quick internet searching and *SURPRISE*, there are many discussions about glute activation in the golf swing. And, yes, some articles mention squeezing the cheeks during the golf swing.
The golf swing for the middle irons is very similar to the fastpitch motion. So, if glute activation is a big deal in golf, and it almost certainly s a big deal in pitching.
This is from article discussing tests for determining whether the golfer has sufficient glute strength:
Stabilize your Swing
The deep squat test will determine whether you have the necessary range of motion and strength in the lower body and core to maintain your posture and hence stay stable during the swing. Take your five iron, stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold the club overhead in both hands facing forwards. Without letting the club move forwards or your heels come off the ground, try to perform a deep squat with your knees bending at least 90 degrees while your butt moves towards your ankles. If you did it fantastic odds are you are going to have a good chance of being stable during the swing. If you failed the test try it again without the club instead putting your hands behind the neck with the elbows touching your ears. If this was also difficult or your heels came off the ground there may be a problem with your ankle and calf flexibility or core strength. Take off your shoes and kneel on your right knee while extending the left knee forwards. Place the butt end of your five iron a fist length from your right foot. While keeping your heel on the ground try to extend the knee until it touches the shaft. Could you do it without your heel coming off the ground? If yes that is good. If no, then odds are you must improve your calf flexibility to stabilize your lower body. 99% of golfers who can’t deep squat will have instability in the swing.
The low bridge test shows whether the glute (butt) and core muscles are able to fire correctly and stabilize during the swing. The glute muscles are the “king” when it comes to stabilizing the swing and generating power. The test will reveal to you whether the hamstrings or lower back are trying to stabilize verses the glute. You must first lay flat on your back on the ground with your arms extend over your chest with your knees bent at 90 degrees. From here lift your pelvis off the ground, try to keep your belt line parallel to the ground and extend the right leg forwards from the knee. Try to hold the position for ten seconds. If your pelvis on the right side drops or the left leg shakes this indicates instability in the left side glute muscle. If the hamstring or lower back starts to cramp that is indication that those muscles are incorrectly trying to stabilize inhibiting the glute and instability will occur. Repeat for the other side. If both sides were easy then you have the ability to stabilize your lower body. If it was tough which is likely for most amateur club golfers you need to learn to use the glute muscles.
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