Pronation
This is the term used to describe medial rotation of the radius, a simple twist of the forearm at the radioulnar joint. In the anatomical position, this action turns the palm inward. In pitching, this action generally turns the palm forward and away from the body at pitch release.
This action is performed by the pronator teres and pronator quadratus muscles of the forearm.
Because the pronator teres attaches the radius to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, the secondary muscular action of pronation is elbow flexion. This secondary action helps prevent potential damage from forearm flyout. By decelerating elbow extension, pronation helps prevent the olecranon of the ulna from slamming into the olecranon fossa of the humerus.
Proper pronation provides some muscular support - but not much - for the ulnar collateral ligament against valgus torque.
Additionally, powerful pronation through the release of the ball may actually add velocity and increase spin.
See also: supination.
Recent Posts
- Chase DeLauter, Tommy White: Early Impressions
- March 6, 2022
- Rays Find Elite Value All Over
- January 29, 2022
- Developing Arm Action in Early Youth Throwers
- January 24, 2022
- Pitch Movement, Part V: (Sp)in Your Eyes
- February 9, 2021
- Pitch Movement, Part IV: Tunnel Vision
- June 25, 2020
- Scouting Grades: Power
- June 22, 2020
- Pitch Movement, Part III: The River of Seams
- April 2, 2020
- Pitch Movement, Part II: Sweet Seams (Are Made of This)
- March 15, 2020
- Pitch Movement, Part I: You Spin Me Round (Like a Baseball)
- February 28, 2020
- Scouting Grades: Speed
- February 20, 2020
- [posts archive]