A biomechanical comparison of dominant and non-dominant arm throws for speed and accuracy

Abstract

Training a non-dominant limb may increase a competitor's ability to perform with either side of his or her body and confer an advantage over competitors that use one side of the body exclusively. The aim of this study was to determine the kinematic differences between dominant and non-dominant arm throwing techniques for speed and accuracy in Under-17 and Under-19 high-performance cricketers. Seven participants performed ten throws for each arm (dominant/non-dominant) and condition (speed/accuracy) at a target positioned 10 m in front of them. Three-dimensional kinematic variables were measured using a Vicon motion analysis system. Digital footage was used to calculate stride data, ball speed, and record target accuracy. Data were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and chi-squared tests. The non-dominant arm throws had significantly lower maximum lead knee lift, did not extend the lead knee in the arm acceleration phase, had significantly less elbow flexion before extension, had significantly less shoulder external rotation at the start of the arm acceleration phase, did not have a delay between the initiation of pelvic and upper torso internal rotation, and displayed a less than optimal coordination pattern. A speed-accuracy trade-off existed for the dominant arm throws. No trade-off was identified for the non-dominant arm throws. Through an enhanced understanding of how throwing technique varies between dominant and non-dominant arms, an opportunity exists for a performance-enhancing programme to be implemented so that ambidexterity of the throwing skill can be improved.

Kinematics of preferred and non-preferred handballing in Australian football

“…Significant differences in the performance and kinematics between preferred and non-preferred upper-limb movements, such as overarm throwing, have been reported (referred to as dominant and non-dominant in these studies, Hore, Watts, Tweed, & Miller, 1996;Ning, Faro, Sue, & Hamilton, 1999;Sachlikidis & Salter, 2007;van den Tiller & Ettema, 2006;Williams, Haywood, & Painter, 1996). Throwing performance has been reported as superior in the preferred arm for both accuracy (Hore et al, 1996) and throw velocity (Ning et al, 1999;van den Tiller & Ettema, 2006).…”

“…Throwing performance has been reported as superior in the preferred arm for both accuracy (Hore et al, 1996) and throw velocity (Ning et al, 1999;van den Tiller & Ettema, 2006). In addition, non-preferred throws have been described as displaying a less optimal coordination pattern (Sachlikidis & Salter, 2007), with movement patterns similar to those exhibited by novice performers (Williams et al, 1996). van den Tiller and Ettema (2006) reported an increased internal rotation velocity and an increased range of internal rotation movement of the shoulder in throwing with the preferred arm.…”

“…van den Tiller and Ettema (2006) reported an increased internal rotation velocity and an increased range of internal rotation movement of the shoulder in throwing with the preferred arm. Likewise, Sachlikidis and Salter (2007) reported significant differences in the lower body mechanics of non-preferred arm throws, including lower maximum lead leg knee lift and lack of lead leg knee extension during the arm acceleration phase of the throw. There were also differences in the timing of pelvic and upper torso rotation between the preferred and non-preferred arm throws, with a delay in rotation initiation occurring on the preferred side.…”

“…It is the most effective method of passing to maintain possession in AF, with efficiency higher than kicking efficiency (80% of passes successful compared to 60%; Champion Data, 2012). The ability to use either side of the body is believed to provide an advantage over competitors who cannot and has been suggested as a requirement at the elite level (Grouios, Kollias, Koidou, & Poderi, 2002;Sachlikidis & Salter, 2007). Furthermore, similar to the need to kick with either foot (Ball, 2011), the competency to perform handballs on both the preferred and non-preferred hands is a necessary skill to cope with game demands in elite-level competition .…”

Relationship between the Ball Velocity and Upper Extremity Kinematic Variables during an Overarm Throwing Task of Inexperienced Individuals

“…Furthermore, several studies investigated the differences between the dominant and non-dominant side during the throwing motions. It was reported that the non-dominant sides have slower ball speeds, decreased shoulder external rotation, elbow flexion, shoulder internal rotation and increased lateral flexion and shoulder abduction (Sachlikidis & Salter, 2007;van den Tillaar & Ettema, 2009). However, these studies only compared the differences between the dominant and non-dominant side.…”