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Technical Details

  • Variable Type: Discrete Metric
  • Data Type: Boolean
  • Units: True/False
  • Column Name: forearm_flyout
  • Measurement: Elbow angle at foot contact and ball release
  • Threshold: Elbow angle < 75° at foot contact AND < 20° at ball release (where full extension = 0°)

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Description

Forearm flyout is a binary indicator that flags excessive elbow extension prior to ball release. It occurs when the elbow angle is less than 75 degrees at foot contact and less than 20 degrees at ball release. Elbow angle is measured with full extension = 0°, thus lower joint angles are more extended.

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Use Cases

  • Elbow mechanics assessment
  • Injury risk evaluation
  • Mechanics correction

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Corrective Drills

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1. Short-Arm Throwing Drill

Remove the full arm swing and throw from a “cocked” position (elbow bent ~90°, upper arm at shoulder height) using only forearm and wrist. This reinforces maintaining elbow flexion through the acceleration phase and prevents the forearm from extending prematurely. Throw at 50% effort from 30–40 feet for 20–25 repetitions. Search YouTube: baseball pitching short arm throwing drill elbow flexion

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2. Wrist Wrap Drill

Using a lightweight resistance band looped around the wrist and anchored behind the pitcher, throw at reduced intensity. The band provides resistance that encourages the forearm to stay flexed (elbow bent) rather than flying out into early extension. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions. Search YouTube: baseball pitching resistance band wrist elbow drill forearm flyout

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3. Arm Path Slot Drill

Have the pitcher throw into a net from 15 feet with an emphasis on keeping the elbow at 90° flexion until the hand passes the ear. A coach standing to the glove-hand side watches for the elbow straightening too early. Use video feedback at foot contact and at ball release to confirm the elbow angle stays above 75° at foot contact. Search YouTube: baseball pitching arm path slot drill elbow angle forearm flyout