The Live Arm

Overhand throwing might be a lost art

Whether male or female, adult or junior – some throw much better than others.

How come? Permit me a guess…

  • Some whip the ball, and others use a subtle pushing motion

  • And for better or worse those two types have similar serving actions

Mike Krukow, former Major League pitcher described a time when he lost his speed on the mound, ” The pitching coach told him it is not about pushing the ball harder towards home plate, it is about a whip action – this resonated with Krukow and he changed his motion, regained his mph, and went back to the “bigs” for good 2 weeks later.”

The video below shows a “live arm” and I believe this translates to both the forehand and the serve.

Pete Sampras, Wayne Arthurs, Andy Roddick and MadisonKeys are all known to have live arms – and as you can probably imagine – I believe this action can be learned.

Enjoy the following

 

The photos highlight the following – turn with the hands together, unwind the hips before the shoulders, lead with the elbow for the whip

                                                 

 

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9 Comments

  • Eugenio Ovalle

    Reply Reply February 15, 2019

    Jim
    Great point.

    Your arm has to be loose, did you mention on a previous podcast that your serve has to be like a whip.

    The same applies for the forehand and backhand ,as a matter of fact for all your strokes.

    When you are in the ready position your grip should be loose and never a tight grip before you begin your motion for the stroke.

    Jim:

    Do you incorporate Stretching exercises before and after you play to increase flexibility.

    Best Regards

    Eugenio o

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply February 15, 2019

      Eugenio – yes for sure on the loose grip to enable a whip, but as for stretching I am not doing a very good job with that on court
      best
      Jim

      • Eugenio Ovalle

        Reply Reply February 15, 2019

        Stretching has to be done before you come to the court
        This way you will be loose and flexible before you a hit a ball

        Eugenio

  • Kevin Starkey

    Reply Reply February 15, 2019

    Your approach has always ‘resonated’ with me Jim. Look at the complete relaxation in the throwing arm after the swing!!!

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply February 15, 2019

      Kevin – but somehow “complete relaxation” is often so rare
      Jim

  • Joe (Toms River, NJ)

    Reply Reply February 14, 2019

    You can see the “racket drop,” can’t you?!

    • Jim McLennan

      Reply Reply February 14, 2019

      If you mean in regard to the leading elbow – then yes
      Jim

    • Dan

      Reply Reply February 15, 2019

      The racket drop is a consequence of the throwing motion not a forced act. Many who teach the serve at weekend clinics teach the path, not the throw. It makes sense seeing slomo without the racket m

      • Jim McLennan

        Reply Reply February 15, 2019

        Dan – for sure – and further this “drop” when done efficiently is hard for students and players to observe – somehow misunderstood
        Jim

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