Overhead Medicine Ball Throw Research Articles

Sprint kayaking and canoeing performance prediction based on the relationship between maturity status, anthropometry and physical fitness in young elite paddlers

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to identify the maturity-related differences and its influence on the physical fitness, morphological and performance characteristics of young elite paddlers. In total, 89 kayakers and 82 canoeists, aged 13.69 ± 0.57 years (mean ± s), were allocated in three groups depending on their age relative to the age at peak height velocity (pre-APHV, circum-APHV and post-APHV) and discipline (kayak and canoe). Nine anthropometric variables, a battery of four physical fitness tests (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach test and 20 m multistage shuttle run test) and three specific performance tests (1000, 500 and 200 m) were assessed. Both disciplines presented significant maturity-based differences in all anthropometric parameters (except for fat and muscle mass percentage), overhead medicine ball throw and all performance times (pre > circum > post; P < 0.05). Negative and significant correlations (P < 0.01) were detected between performance times, chronological age and anthropometry (body mass, height, sitting height and maturity status), overhead medicine ball throw and sit and reach for all distances. These findings confirm the importance of maturity status in sprint kayaking and canoeing since the more mature paddlers were also those who revealed largest body size, physical fitness level and best paddling performance. Additionally, the most important variables predicting performance times in kayaking and canoeing were maturity status and chronological age, respectively.

The Effects of 8-Week Plyometric Training on Physical Performance in Young Tennis Players.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of an 8-week (conducted biweekly for a total of 16 sessions) plyometric training program (PT) (e.g., upper- and lower-body exercises) combined with regular tennis training on physical qualities in young tennis players. Sixty tennis players between the ages of 12 and 13 years (age 12.5 ± 0.3 years, weight 44.2 ± 7.0 kg, height 156.6 ± 7.1 cm) were allocated to either the control group (standard in-season regimen) (CG; n = 30) or the experimental group, which received an additional PT (TG; n = 30) for 30-60 min as a substitute for some tennis training within the usual 90-min practice. Pre- and posttests included: anthropometric measures; vertical countermovement jump (CMJ); standing long jump (SLJ); 20 m sprint time (with 5 and 10 m splits); a modified 505 agility test; overhead medicine ball throw; and serve velocity test. After the training intervention, the TG showed significant (p < .01) improvements in all the parameters analyzed, with percentages of change and effect sizes ranging from 3.1% to 10.1% and 0.4 (small) to 1.3 (moderate), respectively. No significant changes were observed in the CG after the training intervention. PT was shown as an important stimulus for enhancing explosive actions in young tennis players.

Backwards overhead medicine ball throw and countermovement jump performance among firefighter candidates

Objectives: To examine the relationships between performance during a backward overhead medicine ball (BOMB) throw and measures of countermovement jump (CMJ) performance among firefighter candidates. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Forty-three firefighter candidates volunteered to participate in this study (age = 28.1 ± 7.1 yrs; height = 180.6 ± 6.0 cm; weight = 88.6 ± 12.3 kg). Bivariate Pearson correlations were used to examine the relationship between BOMB throw performance (m/kg) and measures of CMJ performance, including: peak CMJ height (cm/kg), peak CMJ force output (N/kg), peak CMJ velocity (cm/sec/kg), and peak CMJ power output (W/kg). Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlations were identified between: BOMB throw and peak CMJ height (r = 0.693, p < 0.001), peak CMJ force output (r = 0.349, p = 0.022), and peak CMJ velocity (r = 0.477, p < 0.001). Although significant relationships were identified between BOMB throw performance and several of CMJ performance measures, BOMB throw performance accounted for little of the total variance between these measures (R2 = 7–48%). Furthermore, the relationship between BOMB throw and peak CMJ power output was not statistically significant (r = 0.292, p = 0.057). Conclusions: These results imply that the BOMB throw lacks criterion-reference validity to other standard field-based measures of power output. Thus, practitioners should exhibit caution when utilizing the BOMB throw to assess power out put among firefighter candidates. In addition, future research should examine the criterion-reference validity of other field-expedient assessments among firefighter candidates and active-duty firefighters.

Influence of anthropometric profile on physical performance in elite female volleyballers in relation to playing position.

The anthropometric profile, specifically body composition, plays a crucial role in the physical performance of volleyballers. Since there are varying positions in volleyball, it is likely that differences exist in anthropometric and physical performance profiles among players due each role's specific physical requirements. The aims of this study were to analyze the anthropometric and physical performance profiles of elite female volleyballers, to determine any differences in these features among different playing positions. A further aim was to examine any relationship between anthropometric measures and measures of performance. This study assessed 42 female professional volleyball players (Age: 27.2±5.4 years). Players were categorized according to playing position: middle blockers (n=12), opposite hitters (n=6), outside hitters (n=12), setters (n=8), and liberos (n=4). Anthropometric measurements assessed were: height, weight, fat mass (5 skinfolds) musculoskeletal mass (5 corrected girths). Additionally, the physical performance parameters examined were: jump tests (vertical-jump and spike-jump), speed, agility, and strength tests (crunches test and overhead medicine ball throw). In terms of height middle blockers were the tallest (186.5±1.4 cm), while liberos were the shortest (166.7±8.1 cm). There were significant differences in body mass among positions (p.

Influence of dynamic versus static core exercises on performance in field based fitness tests

Minimal evidence supports the claim that core stability training transfers into improved performance and the most effective training method to perform core exercises is still unknown. The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of a 6 week unstable static versus unstable dynamic core training program, on field based fitness tests. A static (n=6) and dynamic (n=6) training group performed two 45min sessions per week for six weeks. Seven performance tests, consisting of three core (plank; double leg lowering; back extensions), one static (standing stork) and three dynamic (overhead medicine ball throw; vertical jump; 20m sprint), were administered pre- and post training. Between group differences were assessed using a repeated measures MANOVA (P<0.05). Both training groups improved in each of the core tests (P<0.05). Neither training group demonstrated improvement in the dynamic field based tests (medicine ball throw, vertical jump height and 20m sprint) (P>0.05). Findings indicate that both types of training improved specific measures of core stability but did not transfer into any sport-related skill.

Concurrent Validity of the Backwards Overhead Medicine Ball Throw as a Test of Explosive Power in Adolescents

Concurrent Validity of the Backwards Overhead Medicine Ball Throw as a Test of Explosive Power in Adolescents

Relationship Of Backward Overhead Medicine Ball Throw With Olympic Weightlifting Performances

The backward overhead medicine ball (BOMB) throw has gained some attention as a simple measure for estimating total body explosive power. However, previous research indicates varying degrees of relationship with standard power measurement. to determine the relationship between a BOMB throw and maximal snatch (S) and clean & jerk (CJ) performances of collegiate weightlifters. 12 collegiate Olympic weightlifters (8 men, 4 women, weight = 75.3 ± 15.4 kg, age = 21 ± 1 y) performed 6 maximal attempts of the BOMB throw with a 3.63 kg medicine ball with 1-min rest between throws. The best throw was recorded for analysis. Three to five days after the throws, the subjects competed in a sanctioned weightlifting meet, and their best lifts in the S and CJ were correlated with BOMB throw. Intraclass correlation coefficient across all 6 trial (ICC = 0.99) indicated a high degree of reliability. There was no significant difference across trials, although the average percent improvement between successive throws did not level off until the 3rd throw (1.2 ± 19.6%). Best BOMB throw was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with S (r = 0.85) and CJ (r = 0.90). Body mass was significantly correlated with BOMB throw (r = 0.78), S (r = 0.83), and CJ (r = 0.82). The correlation of BOMB throw with Sinclair-adjusted S (r = 0.81) and CJ (r = 0.86) were significant. When body mass were partialed out, the relationship of BOMB throw with S (r = 0.59) and CJ (r = 0.72) decreased but remained significant. When gender was partialed out, the relationship of BOMB throw with S (r = 0.49, p = 0.13) and CJ (r = 0.67, p = 0.03) decreased more for S than for CJ. Partialing out both body mass and gender reduced the correlations of BOMB throw with S (r = 0.04, p = 0.90) and CJ ((r = 0.43, p = 0.21) to nonsignificance. The strong correlations between the BOMB throw and maximal S and CJ performances of collegiate weightlifter maybe dependent on body mass. The BOMB throw distance may be strongly dependant on body mass but may reflect a unique aspect of total body power. Further research is warranted to determine if an adjustment scaling technique is required to facilitate its use on a wide variety of athletes.

Physical Fitness Qualities of Professional Volleyball Players: Determination of Positional Differences

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anthropometric and strength characteristics of elite male volleyball athletes and to determine if differences exist in these characteristics according to playing position. A group of 35 professional male team volleyball players (mean +/- SD age: 26.6 +/- 3.1 years) participated in the study. Players were categorized according to playing position and role: middle blockers (n = 9), opposite hitters (n = 6), outside hitters (n = 10), setters (n = 6), and liberos (n = 4). Height, body mass, muscular strength (4 repetition maximum bench press and 4 repetition maximum parallel squat tests), and muscular power (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump) were assessed. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found among the 5 positional categories. The results indicated that the middle blockers and opposite hitters were the tallest and heaviest players, whereas the libero players were the lightest. Differences were also found in bench press maximal strength, with the middle blockers and opposite players significantly stronger (p < 0.05) than the setters and liberos. The setter positional group had significantly poorer (p < 0.05) parallel squat performances than the outside hitter and opposite hitter groups. No other significant differences (p > 0.05) were found among groups for the strength and power parameters. These results demonstrate that significant anthropometric and strength differences exist among playing positions in elite male volleyball players. In addition, these findings provide normative data for elite male volleyball players competing in specific individual playing positions. From a practical perspective, sport scientists and conditioning professionals should take the strength and anthropometric characteristics of volleyball players into account when designing individualized position-specific training programs.

Physiological and Anthropometric Correlates of Tackling Ability in Rugby League Players

This study investigated the relationship between physiological and anthropometric qualities and tackling ability in rugby league players. Twelve rugby league players (mean +/- SD age, 24.4 +/- 3.5 years) underwent a standardized 1-on-1 tackling drill in a 10-m grid. Video footage was taken from the rear, side, and front of the defending player. Tackling proficiency was assessed using standardized technical criteria. In addition, all players underwent measurements of anthropometry (stature, body mass, sum of 7 skinfolds, arm, chest, waist, gluteal, thigh, and calf girths, and biepicondylar humerus and femur breadths), somatotype (endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy), acceleration (5- and 10-m sprint), change-of-direction speed (modified 505 test), lower-body muscular power (vertical jump), and upper-body muscular power (overhead medicine ball throw). Differences in tackling ability and physiological and anthropometric qualities between the best (N = 6) and worst (N = 6) tacklers were compared using the Cohen effect size (ES) statistic. Eta coefficients (eta) were used to determine the relationships among physiological and anthropometric qualities and tackling proficiency. Better tacklers were older (ES = 1.9), more experienced (ES = 1.0), shorter (ES = 1.2), lighter (ES = 2.3), and leaner (ES = 1.3) than players with poor tackling proficiency. Better tacklers also had greater levels of mesomorphy (ES = 0.3), acceleration (ES = 2.3), and change-of-direction speed (ES = 0.5) than poor tacklers. The strongest correlates of tackling ability were age (eta = 0.70), skinfold thickness (eta = -0.68), body mass (eta = -0.72), waist girth (eta = -0.79), gluteal girth (eta = -0.74), and level of endomorphy (eta = -0.65). These findings demonstrate that well-developed physiological and anthropometric qualities contribute to effective tackling ability in rugby league players.

Changes in Strength and Power Performance in Elite Senior Female Professional Volleyball Players During the In-Season: A Case Study

It is often recommended that in-season training programs aim to maintain muscular strength and power developed during the off-season. However, improvements in performance may be possible with a well-designed training regimen. The purpose of this case report is to describe the changes in physical performance after an in-season training regimen in professional female volleyball players in order to determine whether muscular strength and power might be improved. Apart from normal practice sessions, 10 elite female volleyball players completed 2 training sessions per week, which included both resistance training and plyometric exercises. Over the 12-week season, the athletes performed 3-4 sets of 3-8 repetitions for resistance and plyometric exercises during each training session. All sessions were supervised by one of the investigators as well as by the team head coach. Muscular strength and power were assessed before and after the 12-week training program using 4 repetition maximum bench press and parallel squat tests, an overhead medicine ball throw (BTd), as well as unloaded and loaded countermovement jumps (CMJs). Strength improved by 15% and 11.5% in the bench press and parallel squat, respectively (p < 0.0001). Distance in the BTd improved by 11.8% (p < 0.0001), whereas unloaded and loaded CMJ height increased between 3.8 and 11.2%. The current findings suggest that elite female volleyball players can improve strength and power during the competition season by implementing a well-designed training program that includes both resistance and plyometric exercises.

Effects of Stretching on Upper-Body Muscular Performance

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the influence of upper-body static stretching and dynamic stretching on upper-body muscular performance. Eleven healthy men, who were National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I track and field athletes (age, 19.6 +/- 1.7 years; body mass, 93.7 +/- 13.8 kg; height, 183.6 +/- 4.6 cm; bench press 1 repetition maximum [1RM], 106.2 +/- 23.0 kg), participated in this study. Over 4 sessions, subjects participated in 4 different stretching protocols (i.e., no stretching, static stretching, dynamic stretching, and combined static and dynamic stretching) in a balanced randomized order followed by 4 tests: 30% of 1 RM bench throw, isometric bench press, overhead medicine ball throw, and lateral medicine ball throw. Depending on the exercise, test peak power (Pmax), peak force (Fmax), peak acceleration (Amax), peak velocity (Vmax), and peak displacement (Dmax) were measured. There were no differences among stretch trials for Pmax, Fmax, Amax, Vmax, or Dmax for the bench throw or for Fmax for the isometric bench press. For the overhead medicine ball throw, there were no differences among stretch trials for Vmax or Dmax. For the lateral medicine ball throw, there was no difference in Vmax among stretch trials; however, Dmax was significantly larger (p </= 0.05) for the static and dynamic condition compared to the static-only condition. In general, there was no short-term effect of stretching on upper-body muscular performance in young adult male athletes, regardless of stretch mode, potentially due to the amount of rest used after stretching before the performances. Since throwing performance was largely unaffected by static or dynamic upper-body stretching, athletes competing in the field events could perform upper-body stretching, if enough time were allowed before the performance. However, prior studies on lower-body musculature have demonstrated dramatic negative effects on speed and power. Therefore, it is recommended that a dynamic warm-up be used for the entire warm-up.

The use of physiological, anthropometric, and skill data to predict selection in a talent-identified junior volleyball squad

The aim of this study was to determine whether physiological, anthropometric, and skill test results could discriminate between junior volleyball players of varying ability. Twenty-eight junior volleyball players competed for selection in a talent-identification volleyball programme. Participants underwent measurements of stature, standing reach stature, body mass, skinfold thickness, overhead medicine ball throw, vertical jump, spike jump, 5-m and 10-m speed, “T” test agility, maximal aerobic power, and passing, setting, serving, and spiking technique and accuracy. A discriminant analysis was conducted on the selected and non-selected groups to obtain a regression equation that could be used to predict selection in junior volleyball squads based on the dependent variables. Passing and serving technique were the only significant variables included in the discriminant analysis. Cross-validation results showed that 17 of 19 selected players (89.5%) and 5 of 9 non-selected players (55.6%) were correctly classified into selected and non-selected groups, respectively, providing an overall predictive accuracy of 78.6%. The results of this study demonstrate that selected skill test results (i.e. subjective coach evaluations of passing technique and serving technique), but not physiological and anthropometric data, discriminate between successful and unsuccessful talent-identified junior volleyball players. These results demonstrate the importance of developing passing and serving technique in talent-identified junior volleyball players.

Physiological and Anthropometric Characteristics of Australian Junior National, State, and Novice Volleyball Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of junior volleyball players competing at the elite, semi-elite, and novice levels and to establish performance standards for these athletes. One hundred and fifty-three junior national (N = 14 males; N = 20 females), state (N = 16 males; N = 42 females), and novice (N = 27 males; N = 34 females) volleyball players participated in this study. Subjects underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (body mass, height, standing reach height, and sum of 7 skinfolds), lower-body muscular power (vertical jump and spike jump), upper-body muscular power (overhead medicine ball throw), speed (5-m and 10-m sprint), agility (T-test), and estimated maximal aerobic power (multistage fitness test) during the competitive phase of the season, after obtaining a degree of match fitness. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected among junior national, state, and novice volleyball players for height, standing reach height, skinfold thickness, lower-body muscular power, agility, and estimated maximal aerobic power, with the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of players typically improving with increases in playing level. Male players were taller, heavier, leaner, and had greater standing reach height, speed, agility, muscular power, and estimated maximal aerobic power than female players. These findings provide normative data and performance standards for junior volleyball players competing at the elite, semi-elite, and novice levels. Given the improvements in lower-body muscular power, agility, and estimated maximal aerobic power with increased playing level, and given the importance of these qualities to competitive performances, conditioning coaches should train these qualities to improve the playing performances of junior volleyball players.

CHANGES IN SKILL AND PHYSICAL FITNESS FOLLOWING TRAINING IN TALENT-IDENTIFIED VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

This study investigated the effect of a skill-based training program on measurements of skill and physical fitness in talent-identified volleyball players. Twenty-six talented junior volleyball players (mean ± SE age, 15.5 ± 0.2 years) participated in an 8-week skill-based training program that included 3 skill-based court sessions per week. Skills sessions were designed to develop passing, setting, serving, spiking, and blocking technique and accuracy as well as game tactics and positioning skills. Coaches used a combination of technical and instructional coaching, coupled with skill-based games to facilitate learning. Subjects performed measurements of skill (passing, setting, serving, and spiking technique and accuracy), standard anthropometry (height, standing-reach height, body mass, and sum of 7 skinfolds), lower-body muscular power (vertical jump, spike jump), upper-body muscular power (over-head medicine-ball throw), speed (5-and 10-m sprint), agility (T-test), and maximal aerobic power (multistage fitness test) before and after training. Training induced significant (p < 0.05) improvements in spiking, setting, and passing accuracy and spiking and passing technique. Compared with pretraining, there were significant (p < 0.05) improvements in 5-and 10-m speed and agility. There were no significant differences between pretraining and posttraining for body mass, skinfold thickness, lower-body muscular power, upper-body muscular power, and maximal aerobic power. These findings demonstrate that skill-based volleyball training improves spiking, setting, and passing accuracy and spiking and passing technique, but has little effect on the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of players.

Changes in Skill and Physical Fitness Following Training in Talent-Identified Volleyball Players

This study investigated the effect of a skill-based training program on measurements of skill and physical fitness in talent-identified volleyball players. Twenty-six talented junior volleyball players (mean +/- SE age, 15.5 +/- 0.2 years) participated in an 8-week skill-based training program that included 3 skill-based court sessions per week. Skills sessions were designed to develop passing, setting, serving, spiking, and blocking technique and accuracy as well as game tactics and positioning skills. Coaches used a combination of technical and instructional coaching, coupled with skill-based games to facilitate learning. Subjects performed measurements of skill (passing, setting, serving, and spiking technique and accuracy), standard anthropometry (height, standing-reach height, body mass, and sum of 7 skinfolds), lower-body muscular power (vertical jump, spike jump), upper-body muscular power (overhead medicine-ball throw), speed (5- and 10-m sprint), agility (T-test), and maximal aerobic power (multistage fitness test) before and after training. Training induced significant (p < 0.05) improvements in spiking, setting, and passing accuracy and spiking and passing technique. Compared with pretraining, there were significant (p < 0.05) improvements in 5- and 10-m speed and agility. There were no significant differences between pretraining and posttraining for body mass, skinfold thickness, lower-body muscular power, upper-body muscular power, and maximal aerobic power. These findings demonstrate that skill-based volleyball training improves spiking, setting, and passing accuracy and spiking and passing technique, but has little effect on the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of players.

Influence of Familiarization on a Backward, Overhead Medicine Ball Explosive Power Test

This study examined the influence of familiarization with the backward, overhead medicine ball throw test of explosive power. Male rugby players (N = 28) aged 15 to 16 (M ± SD = 15.1 ± 0.5) years completed the medicine ball throw six times. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the distance thrown differed across trials (F5,135 = 12.83, p < 0.01). Least significant differences post hoc multiple comparisons revealed significant differences between a number of trials; however, no significant difference was evident between the fifth and sixth trials (Mdiff = .005, p > 0.05). Typical error of measurement became less as trials progressed, with the typical error of measurement being 0.10 m between the fifth and sixth trials indicating little within subject variation between medicine ball throws following a familiarization period. The backward, overhead medicine ball throw may be a practical, reliable method to assess total body, explosive power of male teen-aged rugby players; however, completion of at least 5 to 6 practice trials is suggested for participants to obtain a stable score.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A CORE ENDURANCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a core endurance exercise protocol. Forty-five college-age rowers (age 21 ± 1.0) were assigned to either a core training group [core group] (n = 25), which took part in a core endurance intervention exercise protocol, or to a control training group [control group] (n = 20), which was not given any specialized core training. Training took place 2 days per week for 8 weeks. Trunk endurance was assessed using flexion, extension, and side flexion tests, whereas a variety of functional performance measures were assessed (vertical jump, broad jump, shuttle run, 40-m sprint, overhead medicine ball throw, 2,000-m maximal rowing ergometer test). The results revealed significant improvement in the two side flexion tests for the core group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, significant differences were noted in the trunk extension test endurance times for the control group (p < 0.05), but not for the core group. No significant differences were found for any of the functional performance tests. In summary, the 8-week core endurance training program improved selected core endurance parameters in healthy young men, but the effectiveness of the core intervention on various functional performance aspects was not supported.

Development and Validation of a Core Endurance Intervention Program: Implications for Performance in College-Age Rowers

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a core endurance exercise protocol. Forty-five college-age rowers (age 21 +/- 1.0) were assigned to either a core training group [core group] (n = 25), which took part in a core endurance intervention exercise protocol, or to a control training group [control group] (n = 20), which was not given any specialized core training. Training took place 2 days per week for 8 weeks. Trunk endurance was assessed using flexion, extension, and side flexion tests, whereas a variety of functional performance measures were assessed (vertical jump, broad jump, shuttle run, 40-m sprint, overhead medicine ball throw, 2,000-m maximal rowing ergometer test). The results revealed significant improvement in the two side flexion tests for the core group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, significant differences were noted in the trunk extension test endurance times for the control group (p < 0.05), but not for the core group. No significant differences were found for any of the functional performance tests. In summary, the 8-week core endurance training program improved selected core endurance parameters in healthy young men, but the effectiveness of the core intervention on various functional performance aspects was not supported.

Comparison of the Backward Overhead Medicine Ball Throw to Power Production in College Football Players

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of the backward overhead medicine ball (BOMB) throw to power production in college football players. Forty National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II college football players were studied at the end of an 8-week off-season conditioning program for power output determined from a countermovement vertical jump on a force plate and for maximal distance in the standing BOMB throw. Although the reliability of the BOMB test was high (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.86), there was a significant learning effect across 3 trials (p < 0.01). Peak and average powers generated during the vertical jump correlated moderately but significantly with the best BOMB throw distance (r = 0.59 and 0.63, respectively). Considering power relative to body mass or lean body mass failed to produce significant correlations with BOMB throw distance (r = 0.27 and 0.28, respectively). Therefore, the BOMB throw may have limited potential as a predictor of total body explosive power in college football players.

An electromyographic analysis of the shoulder during a medicine ball rehabilitation program.

We used dynamic electromyography and a motion analysis system to describe the muscle firing patterns in 10 shoulder muscles and the basic kinematics of a two-handed overhead medicine ball throw. Ten healthy male subjects with no history of shoulder injury were evaluated. The two-handed medicine ball throw was divided into three phases for analysis: cocking, acceleration, and deceleration. The average duration of the throw was 1.92 seconds; the cocking phase represented 56%, the acceleration phase 15.5%, and the deceleration phase 28.5% of the throw. In the cocking phase, the upper trapezius, pectoralis major, and anterior deltoid muscles showed high activity ( > 40% to 60% maximum manual test), and the rotator cuff muscles had moderate activity ( > 20% to 40%). In the acceleration phase, five of the muscles demonstrated high levels of activity ( > 40% to 60%) and the upper trapezius and lower subscapularis muscles had very high levels of activity ( > 60%). Analysis of the deceleration phase revealed high activity in the upper trapezius muscle and moderate activity in all other muscles except the pectoralis major. Our findings support the use of medicine ball training as a bridge between static resistive training and dynamic throwing in the rehabilitation of the overhead athlete. This training technique provides a protective method of strengthening that closely simulates portions of the throwing motion.