Do handball throws always exhibit a proximal-to-distal segmental sequence?

Abstract

Previous studies on overarm throwing have described a proximal-to-distal segmental sequence. The proximal segments reached their maximal linear velocities before the distal ones. In handball, no study has demonstrated this sequence from the upper torso to the wrist, although a recent study did present a different organization. The aim of this study was to analyse the throwing arm segmental organization during handball throwing. We found that the maximal linear velocity of the shoulder occurred after the maximal linear velocity of the elbow. Moreover, the maximal angular velocity of the upper torso occurred later than that of the elbow. Hence, contrary to other disciplines, the rotation of the upper torso was not suddenly stopped just after the forward arm motion was initiated. These results may apply to handball in general or be specific to the population of handball players studied. It may be advisable in future studies to include international players.

Anticipatory strategies of team-handball goalkeepers

“…The importance of this has been shown from deductions drawn from Fradet et al (2004). They demonstrated that the team-handball throw does not behave like a typical structure in its temporal segmented sequence, from the proximal to the distal (P-D), as occurs with other throws where the aim is to achieve high velocity.…”

Information underpinning anticipation of goal-directed throwing

“…These findings are consistent with those of Huys et al (2008) and Williams et al (2009), who reported that information contained in areas "local" to the ball (i.e., the end effector) are most useful for anticipating target location. Moreover, research involving handball throwing has often identified the mechanics of the arm as being a key factor in ball flight trajectory (Fradet et al 2004;Wagner, Klous, & Muller, 2006). It appears that neutralization of the target-specific information within the wrist, elbow, and shoulder left participants to rely on less pertinent sources of information, such as the hips and left shoulder.…”

Skill-dependent proximal-to-distal sequence in team-handball throwing

“…Joint movements occurred in a proximal-to-distal order, beginning with the proximal joint movement of the pelvis rotation, trunk rotation, and trunk flexion, followed by shoulder internal rotation, elbow flexion, wrist and finger flexion. In the team-handball jump throw, Wagner and colleagues (Wagner, Buchecker, von Duvillard, & Mü ller, 2010) found a proximal-todistal sequence in the maximal angular velocities from the trunk to the shoulder, but not from the shoulder to the elbow, and Fradet et al (2004) reported that the maximal linear velocity of the shoulder occurred later than the maximal velocity of the elbow in the team-handball standing throw with run-up. Van den Tillaar and Ettema (2009) suggested that for increasing ball velocity, the trunk side tilt and shoulder adduction, which did not follow in a proximal-to-distal order, were not essential.…”

“…This proximal-to-distal sequence encompasses the deceleration of a proximal segment as an increase in distal segment linear or angular velocity occurs (Hong, Cheung, & Roberts, 2001). In team-handball throwing, the proximal-to-distal sequence has been defined by calculating the timing of occurrence of maximal linear velocities of the segments and found to be important to maximize ball velocity (Fradet et al, 2004;Jö ris, Edwards van Muyen, van Ingen Schenau, & Kemper, 1985;Tuma & Zahalka, 1997;van den Tillaar & Ettema, 2004). Marshall and Elliott (2000) suggested that in throwing and striking movements, an explanation of the proximal-to-distal sequence based on linear segment velocities is inadequate because upper arm rotation and forearm pronation contribute significantly to endpoint-speed.…”