And so it begins. 2nd April 2014

My first session focusing on technique of a QB throw

 

Tools involved

Nike All-Field

Nike All-Field (Official) American Football,
Built for performance and durability on any field. The shape has been developed to fit perfectly in the QBs hand. Made of synthetic leather, this helps aid grip and flight performance. It further has an enhanced lace system for added grip. Also has the NHFS logo engraved

Cost $34.95

Target

The target was constructed out of two A4 pieces of paper with an A4 size target in the middle, this created very margin for error as anything that does not hit the paper is considered as a miss

Whole target 42x60 cm
 Inner circle 21x30 cm

Target at 10 meters

The Target was then placed 10 meters away from the throwing position.

(also note the close proximity of the window this was added incentive to make sure I was hitting my target)

4 Stages of a QB Throw

For my initial sessions I plan to focus on the four stages involved to complete a successful throw

1. Wind Up 
2. Later Cocking 
3. Acceleration 
4. Follow Through 

(DeGolyer, Getz 2010)

Example of the stages involved  

By becoming skilled at each of these phases it will improve my kinetic chain and in doing so improve my throwing efficacy and efficiency. Kinetic chain is an important aspect of the throw as it will improve the velocity of hand release and improve muscle torque, this allows for more accurate and powerful passing (King, 2009)

  

  

The Wind-Up Phase

In my first session I decided to focus on the first phase of the throw (wind-up), in this phase you begin to generate momentum. This begins with my left foot in planter flexion this is so I could find my center of gravity and transfer my weight to my back foot, to stay balanced and set myself for the throw. Then with my right hip externally rotated and knees slightly extended  I could begin generate force in my kinetic chain (DeGolyer, Getz, 2010).

10 throws from standing warm up (to partner)

10 walk throughs of wind up phase (with no ball)

10 throws implementing new movements  70% (with ball at target)

5 throws 90% (with ball at target )

I found that by getting my footing correct, especially the bending of the knees allowed me to get into a good throwing position and helped with my balance. I choose not to record the amount of times I hit the target as this gives an outcome focus rather than focusing on the processes involved.

as Tom Murke states

"It will give you confidence. Not confidence that you’ll succeed in the current attempt, but confidence that you’re on the right path to mastery"

 Throwing with focus on wind-up.

References

King, D. (2009). Biomechanics of Overarm Throwing. Department of Exercise and Sport Science .

Layden, T. (2010). The Art of The Pass. Sports Illustrated , 52.

Matt DeGolyer, K. G. (2010). Biomechanics of a Quarterback Throw.

Nike All-Field (Official) American Football| sports gear online | Buy Nike online from Stirilng Sports Online | Sterling sports — Stirling Sports. (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2014, from http://stirlingsports.co.nz/shop/nike-all-field-official-american-football

Tom Murke (n.d.). Focus on process, not outcome. Retrieved June 5, 2014, from http://www.howtolive.com/focus-on-process-not-outcome/