![]() ![]() The end of this phase is marked by the release of the ball out of the thrower’s hand. Proper body mechanics places the shoulder in the proper position during the acceleration phase to generate great velocity and accuracy without causing an injury to the throwing shoulder. As the ball moves forward towards the target, the speed of rotation of the humeral head can exceed 7000+ degrees per second. The anterior upper quadrant muscles are concentrically active and begin to move the arm from extreme external rotation to internal rotation. Now the throwing arm moves forward to actually throw the ball to the target. The lead shoulder is directed at the target and the throwing arm continues to move into extreme external rotation. The body begins to move forward towards its target during this phase. This shoulder position places the anterior upper quadrant musculature on a “stretch” and prepares it to contract forcefully when the arm begins to move forward in the next phase of the throwing motion. The posterior shoulder musculature is extremely active and the position of the shoulder is in extreme external rotation. This phase prepares the arm to be able to throw the ball. In this phase, the shoulder musculature is minimally active. Motion occurs in the lower extremities and torso where the vast majority of “power” to throw a ball is generated. It is the beginning of the throwing motion, preparing the “body parts” for the act of throwing a ball. The entire motion of throwing a ball takes approximately 2 seconds to complete, and the wind up consumes almost 1.5 seconds of that time. If any aspect of these mechanics is “off,” an injury can occur to the shoulder or elbow that can lead to the inability to throw a ball. The further the shoulder can be externally rotated while it is abducted, the greater the ball can be thrown with force and speed, providing all other body parts and movements are in synch. The shape of the shoulder joint is ideal for mobility and motion, but not stability. The head is held “against” the glenoid surface via the four Rotator Cuff (RTC) muscles, which act in unison and form a force couple when the arm is moved. The head of the humerus rests on the Glenoid fossa of the scapula where it articulates when the muscles of the shoulder contract to move the arm. The shoulder joint is comprised of three bones, scapulae, clavicle and humerus. For the purpose of this blog we will consider five phases of throwing mechanics.įirst, let’s review the structure of the shoulder and its role in throwing. ![]() Many studies have been performed on the mechanics of throwing a ball with arm motions above shoulder level or “over-hand.” Researchers identify four to five specific phases of movement that occur during the act of throwing a ball. If any of these movements “break down,” they can make the ball go somewhere that it is not intended to go. Every part of the musculoskeletal system is literally involved. Accurate pitching with force or speed requires the entire body and not just the shoulder and arm. While throwing a ball appears simple, it is actually a complex set of movements. Introducing the Biomechanics of Throwing a BallĪnyone can throw a ball “over-hand,” but not everyone can do it well. ![]()
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