Page 20 - Jim Stone Book Beginner

The Yes-position will teach the athlete how to coordinate 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. As you can see by these pictures, in many sports, when a throwing motion is an
aspect of a skill, you will see the Yes position.

Proper armswing mechanics are essential to the attack and the serve. I would encourage coaches to
spend a significant amount of time instructing their players as to the keys for correctly performing this
skill. 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 very important to future player development.

Sample Activity-I like to use larger or heavier balls such as a softball, baseball, etc. Avoid using a
volleyball as it will be too big for the hand and 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 critical parts of the throwing
motion to check form before releasing the ball. I have them verbalize what their body is doing to
increase the awareness of the throwing motion's essential aspects.