Overhand throw

The overhand throw is a complex motor skill that involves the entire body in a series of linked movements starting from the legs, progressing up through the pelvis and trunk, and culminating in a ballistic motion in the arm that propels a projectile forward.

[2] This throwing motion is described based on the analysis of professional athletes, mainly baseball pitchers, as they are recognized as having mastered this skill.

The purpose of the stride is to increase the distance over which linear and angular trunk motions occur, allowing more energy to be produced and transferred up the body.

[2] The stride step is performed while raising the throwing arm back to the point of maximum external shoulder rotation.

[3] The acceleration phase is initiated once the projectile begins its forward motion, which is also about the same time as the stride foot makes contact with the ground.

This rapid deceleration is actually the most violent part of the throwing motion, as the greatest amount of joint loading occurs at this stage.