Rickie Weeks Throwing Patterns

I’m a big fan of Rickie Weeks, especially after playing against him in College, when he played for Southern University and I was a Freshman at the University of New Orleans. He was a stud 1st rounder. I remember watching him and wanting to mimic his footwork and arm action. So smooth!

Throwing Arm Pattern
There’s an initial movement of the throwing arm, part scap retraction/part horizontal abduction, along with a slight trunk turn. This retraction/abduction movement of the arm allows it to “disconnect” from the torso as the trunk turns towards the target.

The elbow will stay flexed when the arm moves into it’s pattern, simulating an infield specific throw.

Lead Arm Pattern
The lead arm clears as the throwing elbow drives back into scap retraction and humeral horizontal abduction. This allows for thoracic extension to occur. Then, at ball release, the glove moves up towards the chest, but this is not an active movement. This is just a residual from the trunk/torso fully turning towards the target.

Double Play Clip

Lead Arm Pattern on Right Clip
In this double play turn, the glove arm attaches to the body, and allows the trunk or torso to turn open towards the target. There’s still no active glove tuck!