Clarification on Elbow Extension in Baseball and Softball Players

I just want to clarify what I mean when I say the elbow should extend in line with the rest of the body at ball release and the forearm will then pronate through.

Elbow extension/pronation timing is actually one of the most difficult aspects of the throw to correct IF the athlete “pushes” the ball (elbow out in front of their body) OR if the athlete cannot resist motion in the transverse plane. Pure elbow extension without pronation and pure wrist flexion does not occur! That is why I dislike Wrist Flicks

I also wrote about the Timing of Elbow Extension in a previous article. You can find it HERE.

From the video above, you should see my elbow extending in line with the rest of my body with my forearm pronating through to ball release. Notice my elbow does not drift past my body, but rather it stays in line with my body and my elbow then extends with the forearm pronating through to ball release.

Yes, the elbow must lead the throw, but it should not drift past the body. This is where the throw then becomes a “push” or “dart” throw! This is why Wrist Flicks reinforces incorrect movement patterns.