Page 7 - Jim Stone Book

Throwing

When teaching correct throwing mechanics, I emphasize the T-position and the Yes position.

The T-position is essential to developing proper throwing mechanics.
I hear so many coaches say to their spikers to “get your elbow up.”
This is an incorrect verbal cue. What they should be saying is get to
the elbow back or in the “T-position”. Some coaches refer to this
motion as a “bow and arrow” arm action. Assuming the T-position will
open the hips and shoulders to the ball and encourage the athlete to
incorporate the rotational motion of the upper body into the throwing or
attacking arm motion. Using the entire upper body into the attack will
lead to generating greater velocity into the attack, along with taking
strain off of the shoulder muscles.

The Yes-position will teach the athlete how to coordinate the use
their non-throwing arm into the throwing motion. I like to have the
athlete bring the non-throwing arm to the body midline as the throwing
arm comes forward.

Proper armswing mechanics are essential to the attack and the serve. I would encourage that
coaches spend a significant amount of time instructing their players as to the keys for performing
this skill correctly. I have found that incorrect armswings in older players are very difficult to
change. The time invested at the younger ages in this skill will prove to be very important to future
player development.

Sample Activity- I like to use large or heavier balls such as a softball, baseball, etc. Avoid using a
volleyball as it will be too big for the hand and will produce poor throwing mechanics. Tennis balls
are okay, but they are light so the athlete cannot “feel” their arm throughout the throwing motion

Coach calls out “T-position” or “Yes-position” player stops at those key aspects of the throwing
motion to check form before releasing the ball. I have them verbalize what their body is doing to
increase the focus on the aspects being emphasized.