Maximize Your Kinematic Sequence And Throw Harder

There is a sequential reason why hard throwers have very similar aspects to their throwing motion.

Not all throwing motions are the same, but close analysis reveals similarities within the individualized throwing motions that illuminate why hard throwers create effortless velocity. Generating speed and transferring speed throughout the body requires a perfectly timed kinematic sequence. All hard throwers begin by generating speed from the ground up. Energy is transferred through the lower extremities, pelvis and thorax and culminates with the shoulder and arm. Each segment of the body builds off the previous segment increasing speed up the kinetic chain. Each segment of that chain slows down as the next segment continues to accelerate. You can compare the throwing motion to the acceleration needed to crack a whip.

The first thing is to accelerate the handle of the whip to generate speed. Then rapidly decelerate that handle to transfer speed to the next part of the whip. The same thing happens with perfectly sequenced high velocity throwers. The lower body represents the handle and the shoulder and arm represent the whip. It is easy to see with high-speed 3-D motion analysis. Many pitchers can have different and somewhat unorthodox throwing styles, but have the ability to generate a good kinematic sequence. Recognition of how the body works and what positions the body needs to be in to maximize the kinematic sequence is what we will demonstrate and teach you. More importantly the initial positions of each throwing phase will dictate how well you can create a high speed perfectly times kinematic sequence and remain safe.

Understanding the medical ramifications of poor positioning and how this can lead to injury can only be found here at THE OAI!