If you have an interest in how to throw overhead, or how you can improve your overhead throwing, you have probably seen articles or been told that overhead throwing is not a natural motion. To substantiate this claim you see some opinions expressed but no substantial factual information because overhead throwing is a natural movement.
It may be because those who say throwing overhead is not natural use this statement as a reason for not understanding the art and science of throwing. Or they make overhead throwing appear more difficult than it really is. This is especially true when it comes to improving baseball pitchers and to a certain extent, football quarterbacks. It is in these two sports that we typically hear the comment that overhead throwing is not natural.
When overhead throwing is analyzed from a biomechanical, kinesiological and anatomical perspective we find that it is a perfectly natural motion. There is nothing in the construction of the body (and especially the shoulder) or the muscles and joints that makes overhead throwing difficult or “unnatural”.
Difficulties or problems in overhead throwing typically occur when the athlete trains improperly. As a result of incorrectly doing exercises or workout routines, the athlete usually over-develops certain muscles and/or decreases his flexibility (limits his range of motion) the in the shoulder joint.
Thus, the problem is not the body nor is it the act of throwing overhead that is not natural. Throwing overhead is a very natural action and has been performed for centuries without injury and in most cases very effectively.
The key is to learn the sequence of body movements involved in a sequential progression, gradually increasing the kinetic potential and culminating in maximum force upon release. In addition, it is necessary to know the best strength exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in each of the joint movements in this kinetic chain.
For more information on how throwing overhead is executed in a safe and effective manner see Build a Better Athlete.