Here’s a great display of the variations of outfield footwork!
Crow Hop Technique – We call it the POWER STEP or POWER DRIVE
The power step/stride or power drive allows an athlete to gain momentum and direction towards their target. It allows for more energy to be transferred into the ball in order to increase the intensity of throw, therefore increasing the velocity.
We want athletes moving forward with their stride, not up or moving vertically in the air. This takes too much time. Softball is a fast game, so staying closer to the ground and getting the ball to the infielders or to a base is key!
For RH Throwers, take a left step first. Use this step as a “rocker step” to gain momentum and direction towards your target. The right leg will then drive through, simulating this power stride. Then, the right foot will land in order for the left leg to stride out towards the target.
For LH Throwers, take a right step first. Use this step as a “rocker step” to gain momentum and direction towards your target. The left leg will then drive through, simulating this power stride. Then, the left foot will land in order for the right leg to stride out towards the target.
Arm Pattern & Timing
The arm pattern and timing is very important in any throw, but especially the power step. Notice the arm is still down when the back foot (power step) lands. Then, as the stride occurs, the arm will then make its way back into scap/lat load, driving the elbow back, before moving into and through external rotation.
Sequence of Hip to Trunk Relationship
As the stride occurs, the pelvis is turning towards the target. This means that the trunk/torso must resist back/away/against the opening pelvis.
The important factor is maintaining trunk turn against the pelvis. It’s the same as a javelin thrower. The hips don’t necessarily need to be fully closed during the stride in order to generate velocity. As long as the trunk is turning back against the stride, resistance can be created!
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