This is a great clip of Outfielder Adam Jones and his HLT Patterns thanks to Noontimebaseball @noontimegifs! Let’s dig deeper!
Crow Hop Movement
The footwork for this specific crow hop throw is Right/Left, Step Behind (using Right/Left technique), Throw! Notice his lead hip closes in order to re-open them before throwing. During this time he is gathering momentum and direction towards his target!
Arm Pattern
I love his arm action. Super clean. Tons of disconnect from the body as the stride occurs. You will notice the pattern is initiated by the elbow driving back, retracting the scaps.
As the lead leg starts to externally rotate, this is when the arm starts to move into and through external rotation. As the pelvis opens and turns towards the target, the ball will then drop down slightly, allowing the elbow to lead the throw (max external rotation). The elbow will extend and pronate at ball release in line with the rest of the body or slightly out in front (depending on trunk forward flexion).
Back Leg Movement
There is back leg femoral movement. This means that the femur is internally rotating in the hip joint, not the knee actively driving down!
The hips are opening or rotating towards the target while the trunk/torso turns back against the opening hips. This creates resistance between the two structures! You can call it “separation” if you want. Regardless, the pelvis is rotating in the transverse plane before changing its orientation to the sagittal plane. At the same time, the trunk/torso will turn back against the opening hips in the transverse plane!
Lead Leg Movement
You can see the lead leg externally rotate and land as the arm starts to move into and through external rotation. At ball release there will be a sudden extension of that lead knee in order to decelerate the body AND allow for the torso/trunk to rotate around the pelvis!
Leave a Reply