High Hand

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Technical Details

• Variable Type: Discrete Metric
• Data Type: Boolean
• Units: True/False
• Column Name: high_hand
• Measurement: Wrist to elbow vertical distance during cocking phase
• Threshold: Wrist height not within 10 cm (~4 in) of elbow height

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Description

High hand is a binary indicator that flags insufficient forearm layback during the cocking phase. It occurs when the wrist joint center height does not get within 10 cm (~4 in) of the elbow joint center vertical position during the cocking phase.

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Use Cases

• Forearm layback assessment
• Arm mechanics evaluation

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Corrective Drills

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1. Forearm Bounce Drill

From a stationary set position (no stride), externally rotate the upper arm so it is at shoulder height, then let the forearm “drop back” (lay back) passively by gravity and the momentum of the throw. Practice this “drop and fire” motion repeatedly to ingrain the feeling of the wrist falling below and then driving back up through the elbow plane. Perform 20–30 reps. Search YouTube: baseball pitching forearm layback bounce drill cocking phase

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2. Wrist-Below-Elbow Cocking Drill

During slow-motion walk-throughs, pause at the top of the cocking phase and confirm the wrist has dropped to or below elbow height. A partner or video frame check is used to verify correct position. The drill makes the pitcher consciously feel and seek the low-wrist, high-elbow position before progressing to full speed. Perform 15 reps. Search YouTube: baseball pitching wrist below elbow cocking position drill layback

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3. Towel Layback Drill

Grip a small towel at the base of the fingers and perform throwing motion at reduced effort toward a target. Focus specifically on the cocking phase: allow the wrist to fall well below the elbow (layback) before snapping forward. The towel reduces the incentive to “muscle” through the throw and allows the pitcher to feel the elastic layback position. Perform 20–25 reps. Search YouTube: baseball pitching towel drill forearm layback high hand fix