Thread by @SteveEnglishbey

Though most know me as a teacher of hitting, the fact is that I have worked with many pitchers and position players regards developing greater THROWING capabilities. The overarching [big picture] theme is predicated on the idea of optimizing muscular tension of the trunk region.

The trunk is defined as the musculature of the pelvic region, mid trunk, upper trunk [scapular complex]. Optimizing both the eccentric [loading] and concentric [unloading or "turn around"]

This, of course, entails numerous considerations as regards the magnitude, timing, and direction of many muscles and/or muscle systems of the trunk.

In the context of throwing, a kind of generic construct for thinking about this kind of optimization CAN be understood as:

Combining optimal stretch tension of the upper trunk [scapular complex] AGAINST the rapid opening of the hips going into and at foot plant.

In the context of hard throwers, whether pitchers or position players [especially outfielders], and understood both from a physiological and empirical perspective, the ability to RETRACT the scapular complex is a big part of optimizing muscular tension in the upper trunk [loading

Note that I said BOTH sides of the scapular complex. I say this to denote the physiological fact that the scapula retraction is optimized by the synergistic actions of both sides working together.

This entails both sides trying to "pinch" towards the spine, AND it entails the upper arm on each side to lift along the shoulder line.

Those who have seen Paul Nyman's throwing animation wherein both arms [humerus ] are ..."on the disc" will know what I mean.

If you go to about 1:10 of this you tube highlight clip, you will see a damn good example of this kind of synergistic scapula action:

Though he starts the unload with the hips more closed than I think is optimal, he makes up for this with VERY good upper trunk rotation [also note the "flail effect"],i.e., the elbow to hand lags "in line" with the upper arm. Pretty good ex. of upper body loading/unloading!

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