Role of the shoulder in arm circle

[FastPitchCat]

what is the role of the shoulder when doing the arm circle?
is it simply to attach the arm to the body and establish a point of rotation (fulcrum)?

my understanding is that pitchers should not use the shoulder to initiate the arm circle. is this accurate?

 

[TMoney]

Yes, it's mostly just a point of rotation. The scap muscles are what put it in motion.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

I tell my students that all is does is hold the arm on.

 

[WillyT812]

Hmmm, tricky one. It seems the shoulder muscle moves the arm upwards to the top of the circle but then need to disengage and let the lats and triceps take over for the pull down.