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Originally posted by cap_n:
quote:
Forget any program that focuses on arm action.
This is an absurd statement to make. Arm action is very important to the overall efficiency of high velocity ballistic movement performed by the arm.
I'm not saying that arm action isn't relevant. It is. But it isn't all or even most of the deal when it comes to a high-level throw.
In a high-level throw, the vast majority (e.g. 80%) of a pitcher's power is generated by the core and the majority of the remainder is generated by the stride. The arm is important because it funnels the force to the hand and thus the ball.
However, the job of the arm is to FUNNEL the force rather than GENERATE the force.
As a result, IMO a good pitching program FOCUSES on the stride and the torso/core. Arm action has to be addressed, but it's a secondary consideration.
To use an analogy, the muscles of a pitcher's core are the equivalent of the engine in a race car, the shoulder is the equivalent of the transmission, the arm is the equivalent of the suspension, and the hand is the equivalent of the tires. All are important, but if your engine isn't any good, then it doesn't matter how good your transmission, suspension, and tires are.
quote:
Originally posted by cap_n:
Arm action is one part of the total package, but the one that should be started with first. Once the efficiency of the arm action is established with the upper torso loading, then the rest of the torso can be adjusted to support that desired arm action.………………not an absolute, but the best way to get the desired results quicker.
If arm action is so critical, then why is there so much variation in it? Why isn't there nearly as much variation in terms of hip/shoulder separation?