ECB Coaches Association links Inside Edge 6 May 2018 | Page 62

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LOOKING AFTER FIELDER’S ARMS
retroversion is a capacity which we are all born with and throwing as we grow
up preserves it. Whilst retroversion is proposed to aid throwing and protect the
shoulder and elbow, too much throwing during young athlete’s development
will contribute to growth plate injuries. Therefore asymmetry in the position
of the scapula, as well as muscular imbalances, are not unusual. As a result,
prescribing one-size-fits-all programmes may not cater to requirements each
individual faces.

It is important to note that the complexities and intricacies of the shoulder
joint at this point. 17 different muscles insert onto the scapula, with multiple
functions and demands. Specific arm care protocols should incorporate many
factors, developing the strength of the rotator cuff muscles and the scapula
stabilisers, while integrating appropriate core control and thoracic mobility.
The following sections will briefly outline warm-up strategies that may be
incorporated with throwing in mind.
LOOKING AFTER FIELDER’S ARMS
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T H O R AC I C S P I N E M O B I L I S AT I O N E X E R C I S E
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S I D E - LY I N G W I N D M I L L W I T H A P R O P U N D E R K N E E
By increasing the range of motion at other joints (provided there is appropriate
stability), we are able to spread to load across multiple sites, thus reducing
the requirements on the shoulder. For this reason, we should look to develop
thoracic (upper to middle spine) mobility, and address it within the warm-up
prior to throwing. Included below are a few simple movements, but I would
strongly advise understanding the technical requirements of the movements
before performing or prescribing them.
Throwing technique
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T HO R AC I C M O B I L IT Y