Kinetic Chain Disconnects

The other thread seemed to be getting a little choppy. Thought I would start a new one about how disconnects in the kinetic chain affect the arm's performance and potential injury...

What is the role of the front hip upon landing from a stride? The role of the front hip is to become a stabilizer at this point. A stabilizer so the momentum/kinetic energy from the back leg drive and torso rotation has something firm to further rotate around (i.e. base for a catapult).

There is a HUGE (scientifically documented) correlation between lead leg hip weakness and shoulder/elbow pain in the pitcher. How can opposite side hip weakness possibly cause throwing side shoulder or elbow pain?

Do me a favor... Everyone stand up right now as you read this post. Are you standing? Come on, the only way you will "own this concept" is to experience it.

Now that you are standing stide out as if you just landed. Take note of the height of your elbow in relation to the ground. Got it?

Now with your lead leg hip allow it lean to the side (if you are a right handed thrower, your left hip should lean to the left and vice versa if you are a left handed thrower). Now notice the height of your elbow. Did it change? Most likely your elbow dropped (got closer to the floor) in relation to where it was just a second ago.

Your elbow just got very close to the "danger zone". What happens in the danger zone? From the thread about elbow pain and curve balls we learned that the 32Nm has a longer period of time to detrimentally affect the elbow.

Therefore, a weak (inability to stabilize the lead leg) hip can cause the elbow to drop. A dropped elbow travels through the danger zone for a longer period of time resulting in the potential for injury.

So, I ask, is the arm the only thing that throws a ball???

 

excellent points- similar logic applies to the swing regarding the chain and staying connected from a kinetic perspective.

 

Very nice. I like how you relate this well to everyone.

 

Now that I can have my kids read and they'll understand it. Much appreciated.

ATC, I may have you meet my youngest son.

 

One Putt

PM me if I can be of service

 

Position of Foot Plant Disconnect

Watch the position of your foot plant.

For righties, make sure you're not planting closed towards the 3rd base dugout. For lefties, make sure you're not planting closed towards the 1st base dugout.

If you are, you may be causing your lower body to be pointing in a closed position making your arm having to adjust in a manner that causes it to play "catch up" meaning you become an arm thrower.

Basically, if you plant in a closed lower body position you are prematurely stopping your lower body from assisting you.