Abstract
This paper concerns underarm throwing by girls 7 to 12 years of age. Each movement component by trained and untrained girls in underarm throwing or windmill softball pitching was examined. Movement characteristics of ball release, arm motion, trunk activity, and stepping were analyzed to capture experience- and age-related differences in underarm throwing. A total of 48 young girls participated: 25 untrained (age 9.7 yr.), 14 trained/league (age 10.9 yr.), and 9 trained/formal (10.4 yr.). Performance was videotaped individually and evaluated by three observers. Analyses suggest that, while age did not affect performance, the type of training experience influenced the girls' performance on each of the four movement components. The wrist and trunk were identified as showing the most significant progression with experience. The findings have important implications about changes during acquisition of underarm throwing skills.
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